“The Start of Many” – Sebastian Tounekti Sends Major Celtic Warning

Sebastian Tounekti walked off the pitch on Saturday night knowing he had made all the difference. Celtic were heading towards a Scottish Cup exit against Dundee before he came off the bench and turned the tie around with an assist and the winning goal in extra time.

It was the kind of impact Celtic have been crying out for. Tounekti’s season has come in bursts, starts, plenty of games on the bench, but goals and assists have been rare. Against Dundee, he produced both in a short burst when the game was on the line.

The assist summed up what he does well. He took on his man, found space, and played the pass at the right moment, setting up Junior Adamu to score and take the game into extra time. The goal that followed was straightforward but crucial. One touch. Quick thought. Finish before Dundee could set themselves.

For Tounekti, the goal and assist was about more than just one match. His stats tell the truth. He has been involved often, but the final touch has not always been there. He knows that. That is why this showing meant so much to him.

Celtic do not have the luxury of waiting. The games keep coming. Wingers are measured by what they deliver in the box, not only by effort or intent. Tounekti gets that and has been clear about wanting to give more.

After the final whistle, he spoke about the moment and what he hopes comes next.

He said: (Celtic FC YouTube), “Amazing feeling of course. Maybe the game wasn’t the best for us, but we kept going, we kept fighting, and yeah, I’m just glad that I could help the team today to win.

“Of course it’s an amazing feeling. As I said, I maybe haven’t scored a lot or made a lot of assists, but I want to help the team with that because I’m that player who can do that. Hopefully this will be the start of many.”

The message from Tounekti is straightforward. He does not see this moment as a one-off.

Celtic need more goals and assists from wide areas, especially in games that are decided by a single goal and drag on. This was a reminder that he can step up when the pressure is pm.

It also changes the conversation around him. Whether he is named in the starting XI or sent on to change games, this is now the level expected.

If he can turn this into a consistent habit rather than a rarity, Celtic gain another option they can trust when games are on a knife edge.