Martin O’Neill claimed Camilo Duran had already paid for his transfer fee after his stunning double edged Celtic closer to a Champions League return.
Signed from Qarabag for an initial £4.5million, the Colombian hit two outrageous strikes against LASK to add to Benjamin Nygren’s stunning opener.
O’Neill was delighted with the winger’s contribution in the final third yet felt his work off the ball elevated his display to a different level.
‘He was exceptional,’ said the manager after a commanding 3-0 win over the Austrian champions.
‘Really exceptional. I said that to him. He’s been fantastic for us since he’s arrived at the football club.
‘His goals were terrific, but his play was great. His running back, helping full backs, helping Colby (Donovan) out on a number of occasions. It was just a magnificent performance.
Celtic players hail Camilo Duran after the first of his brilliant double
‘If he stays clear of injury, he’s going to be a really, really good player.
‘I think that whatever we paid for Duran, I think he has paid his ticket by now. He’s only entered his fourth game.
‘I don’t think it was an awful lot of money when you consider some of the fees that they’re talking about for the Premier League. I think he’s a real bargain – four and a half million or something like that there.’
Seeking to take the team back into the group stage after missing out under Brendan Rodgers last year, O’Neill felt his side rebounded from a tricky start to earn the victory.
While his side are clearly now favourites to progress ahead of next Tuesday’s return leg, the manager is taking nothing for granted.
‘I didn’t even have to say it in the dressing room to the players. They know, they absolutely know this,’ he stressed.
‘I think we’ve shown that we’re capable of scoring, which we probably would need to do. They are a fine side. I’m not playing it down at all.
‘I thought there were periods where we played some really fantastic stuff, there were periods where they played some fantastic stuff. It was really like a basketball game, particularly in the first half. We rode a little bit of luck.
O’Neill hails Camilo Duran after his two goals put LASK to the sword at Celtic Park
‘They had a great shot in the first minute, just marginally offside. They had a great chance just a moment or two after that, so they started the brighter.
‘It took us time to get going, but when we did then we scored.
‘It was a great goal by Nygren to take a bit of pressure off, give us the lead. And then Duran’s two goals were fantastic. The game is absolutely in the balance.’
O’Neill, though, feels that his side do have more levels to reach in the fullness of time.
‘We can improve in the sense that I think that playing the game will bring us on in terms of fitness as much as anything else,’ he continued.
‘It would be lovely (to quality), but I think we are a long way from that.. Genuinely, next Tuesday will be a major test for us.’
O’Neill was effusive in his praise for Colby Donovan after asking the 19-year-old to deputise for Alistair Johnston.
O’Neill praised young defender Colby Donovan for his battling performance
‘He really did great,’ he added.
‘He’s got a big, big heart and that’s nice to see, really nice to see. He’s a local lad as well too and loves it.
‘Loves the football club, loves playing. His enthusiasm is boundless. He stuck to his task brilliantly tonight.
‘It’s great to see a young player like that, just showing no sign of fear or nerves, or just go out and attack the game like that. He just goes for it.’
Celtic are believed to have identified Niko Sigur as a direct replacement for Arne Engels following the Belgian’s £22m move to West Ham.
The Hajduk Split midfielder, who was part of Canada’s squad at the World Cup, is available for around £3million.
