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Photo by Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Celtic fans thrilled by Hatem Abd Elhamed's comeback performance vs Reykjavik
Hatem Abd Elhamed started his first competitive match since November 2019 tonight against KR Reykjavik, helping Celtic to a dominant 6-0 victory in UEFA Champions League qualifying.
Neil Lennon’s Bhoys will now move on to the next stage, where they’ll face either Ferencvaros, champions of Hungary, or Sweden’s Djurgardens.
They face off tomorrow night but whoever gets through will have a daunting trip to Celtic Park ahead.
Celtic never looked like slipping up tonight.
Lennon’s unit were strong, motivated and ambitious with the ball, creating plenty of opportunities and effectively brushing the visitors aside.
Celtic before the Reykjavik match / (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
With the lack of crowd and atmosphere, it really did have the vibe of a training game.
The standard of opposition must be taken into account when considering Elhamed’s performance, but the signs were there he is ready to stake a claim for a more regular starting place.
Blighted by injury and fitness issues, the Israeli international hasn’t had much luck since moving to the club last summer.
His last start actually came against Lazio in the 2-1 win away from home in Italy, though he has come off the bench in our opening two games of the season.
Tonight he looked athletic, quick, composed and an all-round solid choice on the right flank.
Hatem Abd Elhamed before a Celtic match / (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
If he can maintain his fitness then Lennon will have a headache determining who should play – Elhamed or the impressive Jeremie Frimpong.
These fans loved his performance, taking to Twitter tonight to share their thoughts during the thumping win…
Elhamed is a player and a physical unit too. Hope we get more than a dozen games out of him this season.
— Ped (@BigBuck_78) August 18, 2020
Never been disappointed with Elhamed. Quality.
— Chris (@ChrisNinetyFour) August 18, 2020
Elhamed is such a brilliant player. Solid defender, who has pace and can get forward to deliver the ball
The only downfall is his fitness. If he can get that sorted really do have two excellent right-back options
— Lewis 🍋 (@LewisLaird01) August 18, 2020
Elhamed has to start at RB when available.
— Púca (@ghosty1879) August 18, 2020
How dare the commentator say Elhamed is second choice, guy is sheer quality
— CelticBhoy73🏴 (@celticbhoy73) August 18, 2020
Hatem Abd Elhamed is the best player on the planet and nobody can dispute this.
— Green & White (@greenandwhite) August 18, 2020
Keep Elhamed fit and he starts every week, preferably on the right of a back 3 in a 3-5-2
— Connor (@_CLMike_) August 18, 2020
Elhamed looking great tonight
— 🍀Lupin🍀 (@LupinBhoy) August 18, 2020
If Elhamed can stay fit then what a player we’ve got cool as you like
— A.C ART (@AidanCregan) August 18, 2020
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