Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain had a message to send after his Celtic debut.
Making his entrance as a substitute, the midfielder gave Martin O’Neill exactly what he wanted with a brilliantly taken injury-time winner.
It was the stuff of dreams for Oxlade-Chamberlain, who reacted ecstatically after the game, even despite his many achievements in the game.
Since coming to Celtic, the Englishman has discussed his reasons for signing, which include the conversations he has had with people in his circle.
These include his Dad’s friends, Hoops hero Joe Hart and, of course, Celtic-daft Andy Robertson.
Who is your Celtic man of the match after the win against Livingston?
Callum McGregor of Celtic leading applause for travelling support during the William Hill Premiership match between Livingston and Celticp
Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on Andy Robertson after Celtic goal
Robertson reacted with joy to Oxlade-Chamberlain’s move, buzzing to see a close friend make the move to his supported club.
The Hoops match-winner joked that Robertson had been messaging him every hour prior to his move being completed.
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Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain of Celtic
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain of Celtic – Credit: Celtic FC
Speaking after the game, Oxlade-Chamberlain wasn’t allowing his old mate any lapses in his Celtic support.
Asked if he expected to have a message from Robertson, the debutant said: “I better! If he’s not, I will be disappointed.
“He is a good boy. I am sure he is going to drop me a text for sure, and if he has not, I will be texting him to remind him.
“I need to look at the phone and see what is happening. People might see that I am still alive and kicking.”
Reflecting on the game as a whole, Oxlade-Chamberlain said: “You don’t get to win every game as a big club in a league and a team that can dominate.
“Teams never make it easy for you and that is something that comes with playing at a high level. You have to win ugly at times. You just don’t want to have to do that too often.
“It is more so when you look at the first 20 minutes against Livingston, we had enough chances to be a bit more clear of things come half-time.
“We are going to have to do that better, but if you’re not able to do that, it is that mentality to keep going, stay calm, and believe that there is going to be a moment.
“Credit to Livingston, I thought they possessed a threat especially from set pieces. They defended really well and you can’t take anyone lightly.
“I think that is a good introduction for me to be able to see that early on in the league. You can’t focus too much on everyone else.
“The job is to win all the games. That is what we need to be looking to do every time we step on the pitch.”
Andy Robertson hails Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s move to Celtic… should he follow him in the summer?
Andy Robertson writes to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain after his move to Celtic
Andy Robertson writes to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain after his move to Celtic – Credit: @andyrobertson – Instagram
Celtic’s other winter signings’ impact so far
Celtic’s most influential winter addition so far has been Julian Araujo, who has firmly established himself as the team’s first-choice right-back.
In attack, Tomas Cvancara has been given a run of starts, but is now without a goal in his last two. He marked his debut with an excellent assist for Yang Hyun-Jun against Hearts.
Junior Adamu is in direct competition with the Czech striker and scored a decisive equaliser on his debut against Dundee – well-taken, too.
It wasn’t so much of a dream debut for Joel Mvuka, who was hooked at half-time against Dundee.
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