Ange Postecoglou lauds 'brilliant' Sead Haksabanovic after Celtic win vs Hearts

By Ben Evans

March 9, 2023

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has singled out forward Sean Haksabanovic for praise after last night’s win over Hearts.

Speaking to the club’s official YouTube channel after the match, Ange praised his side’s victory in his 100^th game in charge of the club.

Celtic broke the 250-goal mark under Ange in the weekend game and continued their free-scoring ways last night.

They initially went behind thanks to a Josh Ginnelly goal in the first six minutes. It took a lengthy VAR check to decide whether he was onside, but in the end, he was determined to be the right side of the defender.

Celtic grew into the game, and Japanese duo Daizen Maeda and Kyogo Furuhashi put the Bhoys in front.

Sead Haksabanovic made sure of Celtic’s victory in the final minutes, and Ange was delighted with the Montenegrin international. The winger cut in on his right foot and curled the ball into the top corner, leaving St. Mirren’s keeper rooted to the spot.

It was the 23-year-old’s fourth league goal of the season, as he’s had to settle for making an impact off the bench for much of the campaign.

Ange delighted with Celtic forward Haksabanovic

Ange was asked about Haksabanovic’s impact at full-time, and said: “He was brilliant, [scored a] great goal. We know he’s got that quality.

“He hasn’t had that real extended run in the team for a number of reasons but every time we’ve called upon him he’s been excellent.

“He’s got a great attitude in training, it was great for him to get a reward today. Again, he’s another who I know can give us more and he will.”

Despite being one of the younger members of the squad, Haksabanovic has already played first-team football for seven different teams in five countries. West Ham recognised his potential while playing for Halmstads in Sweden, but he barely made an impact on the senior side.

Celtic signed Haksabanovic last summer, and Ange has taken his time introducing him to the starting line-up. In fact, he’s not started a league game since before the World Cup, although he’s always a handful when introduced in the dying moments.

Haksabanovic has already vowed to help any new signings at Celtic as he looks to establish himself as a leader in the squad. He’ll also be hoping his injury woes are behind him as he looks to help Celtic achieve another Scottish Premiership title.