Martin O’Neill admitted that he was staring a Scottish Cup exit sq. within the face till Celtic scored a last-gasp leveller in opposition to Dundee earlier than happening to say a exceptional extra-time triumph.
Steven Pressley’s aspect seemed like they might be on their method to their first win within the competitors at Celtic Park when midfielder Ethan Hamilton thundered in his first Dundee aim within the forty ninth minute of the pulsating fifth-round tie.
The house aspect toiled thereafter however, with successfully the final contact of the sport which went past the 5 added minutes on the board, Junior Adamu — who got here off the bench to make his debut — flicked in a dramatic equaliser.
Two minutes into additional time one other substitute, Sebastian Tounekti, who arrange Adamu’s aim, fired within the winner for Celtic.
It accomplished a surprising escape in a match that was performed out to a half-full stadium, with many house followers persevering with their protest in opposition to the Celtic board.
A relieved O’Neill stated: ‘Nicely, naturally delighted to be within the hat for the subsequent spherical. It appeared an extended, good distance away when, what was it, the 97th minute?
Martin O’Neill praised the dedication of Celtic in getting back from behind to win
Celtic gamers rejoice the extra-time winner from Tounekti
Dundee boss Steven Pressley was gutted that his aspect fell agonisingly brief
‘I undoubtedly assume that we confirmed a dedication to go to the very, very finish, and try to create one thing.
‘I’m simply so happy with the crew, naturally. I assumed they have been good. Actually, actually good to see that by means of, regardless of the errors that we made in the course of the course of the sport.
‘Whereas the ball’s most likely within the penalty space, then you already know one thing would possibly nonetheless materialise, as Seb had it.
‘I assumed his introduction was most likely key, actually, as a lot as anything. However you’d assume that the sport’s gone past you.
‘If, as an illustration, Dundee kicked the ball clear, that’s most likely the sport over. However we’ve discovered a method to save the sport and we discover a method to win it.’
Dundee boss Pressley thought his aspect had sealed a well-known win earlier than Adamu got here up with the late leveller.
The previous Celtic centre-back, who had ‘no complaints’ in regards to the recreation going over the 5 added minutes, stated: ‘I’m exceptionally pleased with the crew. To a person, they have been distinctive.
‘They left nothing on the market. However not solely did they present unimaginable effort, I assumed they confirmed a variety of bravery.
‘Bravery to take the ball below strain and play and construct. So there have been so many good issues and the reality is, I assumed we have been there.
Celtic unveiled Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as a brand new signing and O’Neill has excessive hopes for him
‘You at all times have to provide golf equipment like Celtic quite a lot of respect. They by no means hand over.
‘I simply thought we have been there. I’m so disenchanted.’
Celtic confirmed the signing of 32-year-old former Arsenal and Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain a few hours earlier than kick-off.
O’Neill will confirm his health within the subsequent couple of days forward of the house recreation in opposition to Livingston on Wednesday.
He stated: ‘We might know in a few days. He seems in actually first rate form. He’s not carrying any weight and he’s raring to go.
‘I stated this pre-match, he exhibits that starvation that he’s had for his profession and a dedication. And I believe when it comes to choices he may have hung across the London space, even when Arsenal weren’t to take him. He may have, he didn’t.
‘And so he’s determined to come back up and throw himself ahead right here. I’ll take a look at that and see how he does within the subsequent couple of days.’
The previous England worldwide had earlier spoken of his delight at becoming a member of Celtic after penning an preliminary deal till the tip of the season with scope for a further yr if the transfer goes effectively.
‘It’s been a busy few days, however I’m delighted and actually excited,’ stated the 32-year-old. ‘Talking with the supervisor, it simply felt like the right match for me, and I really feel like I can are available and assist out the lads.
‘It’s precisely what I would like. I would like one other problem and I’m fortunate sufficient it’s at a large membership like this.
‘They usually may also help me get again to the place I have to get to and, extra importantly, I would like to assist the crew obtain the objectives we need to do.’
