Celtic Bounce Back with Falkirk Victory, Duran Shines Amidst Criticism
Former Celtic midfielder Scott Allan has commended Martin O’Neill’s team for their response following a disappointing exit from the Champions League, as they secured a victory against Falkirk in the Scottish Premiership.
Allan highlighted the emergence of forward Camilo Duran, who scored both goals in Celtic’s 2-1 win over Falkirk.
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After a collapse that saw Austrian champions LASK come back from four goals down on aggregate, Celtic focused on their domestic campaign and managed to overcome Falkirk.
“It was shocking to see how they let a 4-0 lead slip against LASK. There was genuine disbelief at the turn of events in that second half for Celtic,” Allan expressed on the Scottish Football podcast.
“Nevertheless, the team needs to show strength. Fans are understandably upset with the LASK match, and all that can be done now is to improve.”
Colombian Duran posed a significant threat up front in the absence of Kasper Hogh, having previously played effectively on the wings.
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“Celtic has quality in their attacking options. Duran appears to be a remarkable discovery; he truly does,” said Allan.
“He makes intelligent runs and embraces physical contact. He is a striker who prefers to feel the defender nearby.
“He can link play well, and he’s been netting some impressive goals. Therefore, I believe Celtic will perform well domestically.
“However, I’m uncertain if that will satisfy fans who have been calling for reinforcements in the squad for several areas throughout the past season.”
Former Celtic midfielder Scott Allan has praised the way Martin O’Neill’s side responded to their ignominious Champions League exit by beating Falkirk in the Scottish Premiership.
And Allan believes Celtic have unearthed a superstar in forward Camilo Duran, who got both goals in the 2-1 win over the Bairns.
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Austrian champions LASK fought back from four goals down on aggregate as Celtic collapsed on Tuesday – but the chastened Premiership champions saw off Falkirk as they returned to the domestic agenda.
“It really was the manner in how they gave up a 4-0 lead to LASK – genuine disbelief at how that second half panned out for Celtic,” Allan said on the Scottish Football podcast.
“But ultimately you have to get your chest out. Fans will still have a sour taste in their mouth about how the game went against LASK and all you can do is try and improve.”
Colombian Duran was a threat through the middle in Kasper Hogh’s absence, having operated effectively out wide in previous games.
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“They’ve got quality at the top end of the pitch. Duran looks a fantastic find, he really does,” added Allan.
“He makes clever runs and likes the contact. He’s one of the strikers who likes the contact – he wants to feel the defender there.
“He can link up play and he’s been scoring some really good goals. So I think domestically Celtic are going to be fine.
“But I’m not sure whether it’s enough for the fans who want to see the squad reinforced with more quality in areas they’ve been asking for over probably the last season.”
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