'People are probably watching' - Celtic linked attacker earns huge praise after World Cup brace
The latest Celtic transfer news as an international star impresses at the World Cup finals in North America.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup finals are well underway as the first round of group stage action nears a conclusion.
It comes against the backdrop of the summer transfer window which is also in full flow with clubs across the country making some significant early moves. Celtic have yet to get their business up and running but securing head coach Martin O’Neill on a new contract should see things picking up soon.
The Hoops are already being linked with multiple players who are in action in the USA, Canada and Mexico. One of those stars recently made a big impact and has earned significant praise for doing so.
Celtic linked attacker scores World Cup brace as head coach full of praise
Motherwell attacker Elijah Just carried on his terrific form for the Steelmen from last season into the World Cup finals with New Zealand. The 26-year-old scored twice as New Zealand drew 2-2 with Iraq in their Group G clash.
Just has been linked with a summer move to Celtic and his performance on football’s grandest stage certainly shows why the Scottish champions would be keen to try and poach him from their North Lanarkshire neighbours. After the match, New Zealand head coach Darren Bazeley was not lacking in superlatives from the Motherwell man.
He said: “I thought Eli was outstanding. I’ve known him for a long time, and he’s played really well for the All Whites and scored goals and had great performances.
“He’s playing in Scotland for Motherwell, and he’s had an outstanding year where he’s scored goals, got player of the season (for Motherwell), he almost got player of the year for the league, and he made the team of the year, so he’s had an outstanding season in Scotland, and he brought that with him.
“He brought that (against Iran) and showed the world how dangerous he can be. He is slight-built, but he gets into pockets, gets turned, and he’s quick. He’s great with the ball, very intelligent, links with Woodsy (Chris Wood) really well, like for the goal.
“I think a lot of people are probably watching that and saying he’s a very good player. He’s building his career, and this is probably going to help him a lot.”
Motherwell attacker attracts Celtic transfer interest after impressive SPFL debut season
Motherwell signs Just from Danish club AC Horsens last summer and the New Zealand international went on to have a fantastic debut season in Scotland. The winger scored seven goals for the Steelmen and was one of five Fir Park stars named in the Scottish Premiership Team of the Year.
HE began his senior career in his native New Zealand back in 2016 before moving to Denmark with second division side Helsingør in 2019. He moved to Horsens two seasons later and also went on to have a brief loan spell at Austrian 2. Liga club SKN St. Pölten.
During his time at Horsens he played under his future Motherwell boss Jens Berthel Askou who would bring him to Scotland. The Dane also had a superb first season in Scotland and was poached by French club Toulouse to become their head coach this summer.