Ally McCoist’s Haissem Hassan Comments Resurface

Ally McCoist raved about Haissem Hassan’s World Cup performance against Argentina, weeks before the winger completed his move to Celtic.

Hassan and his Egyptian teammates pushed the then-reigning world champions all the way in one of the games of the tournament. McCoist was on commentary duty for ITV in Atlanta for the match.

The winger was right at the heart of it.

He set up Egypt’s second goal, producing a superb run down the right as his side opened up a two-goal cushion against Argentina.

Egypt thought they had extended their lead before that, only for it to be ruled out following a VAR check for a foul in the build-up.

Celtic’s new man made the oppositions’ lives hell, beating two men as he dribbled up the pitch before releasing the ball.

Despite that goal being disallowed, McCoist could barely get past the work the new Hoops signing had done to create it.

McCoist said: “The finish is magnificent (from Zico), but I cannot believe the talent we have seen on the right-hand touchline. Haissem Hassan, my goodness me. He gets it 10-15 yards inside his own half. I cannot wait to see it again.

“It is as good a counter-attacking goal as you will ever see anywhere.”

Then when the eventual second goal did come for the Egyptians, McCoist raved about Hassan once again as he racked up an assist on his second appearance at the tournament.

“Salah does brilliant. He plays it in the right-hand side to this fella who has been unbelievable for 20 minutes. Hassan again, tremendous going down the right side, the run to get past your defender.”

Argentina eventually fought back late to advance, denying Egypt what would have been a huge World Cup upset.

For Celtic supporters, though, McCoist’s reaction is particularly interesting now.

The former Ibrox star was likely unaware that the winger was already on Celtic’s radar as the Hoops worked towards bringing him to Glasgow.

Those talks with Real Oviedo were not straightforward and took time to conclude, but Celtic finally unveiled Hassan as their latest signing on Wednesday night.

He arrives for an initial £6 million, with the deal potentially rising to £9 million through add-ons.

A considerable chunk of those additional payments will be triggered if Celtic qualify for the Champions League.

Martin O’Neill has already spoken of his delight at getting the deal over the line, with Hassan giving Celtic another strong option in the wide areas.

There will naturally be far more interest in what Hassan does in green and white than anything he produced before arriving at Celtic.

McCoist certainly liked what he saw. If Hassan brings that same direct running and threat to Celtic, he may find himself having to praise him again soon enough.