Martin O’Neill hails world class Duran, but remains wary of LASK in return leg | OneFootball

Martin O’Neill last night described his first summer signing Camilo Duran as ‘world class’ after the Colombian’s impressive performance, scoring a brace in the 3-0 Champions League Playoff win over Austrian Champions LASK at Celtic Park…

Camilo Duran of Celtic during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 play-offs first leg match between Celtic and LASK at Celtic Park on August 19, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Martin was blown away by the £6 million man’s performance last night and said Camilo is a brilliant player and we are so happy to have him.

“He was magnificent. I’m not saying he’s world class at this minute but that was a world-class performance from him. I mean that in every sense – the goals, his attacking play and his work in getting back to defend.”

The Celtic manager was also delighted with the win, but urged a word of caution to those who believe the tie is finished, and is still wary of the threat that the Austrians pose.

Camilo Duran of Celtic celebrates with teammates after scoring his team’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 play-offs first leg match between Celtic and LASK at Celtic Park on August 19, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

“It was a great win for us and we have given ourselves a chance. But LASK are a very good side and we still have our work cut out to get through,” the Celtic manager said, adding: “That was a really tough evening for us. We won 3-0 against a good team. We knew they had a lot of pace and talent, and they showed that.

“It felt like a game of basketball in the first half and they started so well with the disallowed goal. It took us ten to 15 minutes to get into our stride.

“It was very back and forward but we have scored three goals in the end – and that helps. We are capable of scoring over there and that could be key in the end, as they are a very fine side.

Camilo Duran of Celtic scores his team’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 play-offs first leg match between Celtic and LASK at Celtic Park on August 19, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

“That was a great result for us but we still have a long, long way to go. However, I believe we can conjure goals now after wondering where they were going to come from at times last season.

“The clean sheet was also very important for us.”

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