Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has already delivered the moment that matters most for Celtic, and the reaction inside the dressing room makes one thing clear.
Celtic’s win against St Mirren proves that fans do not need convincing when it comes to what Oxlade-Chamberlain brings, because the impact has already been felt where it counts.
Anthony Ralston did not dress it up when he reflected on the decisive moment, instead pointing directly to the quality of the Celtic midfielder’s goal that settled the game.
“The finish speaks for itself,” said Ralston. “His quality is terrific. That ended up being the difference in the game.”
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Celtic already trust Oxlade-Chamberlain to decide games
That assessment goes beyond the Celtic winner against St Mirren, because it reflects how Oxlade-Chamberlain is now viewed inside the squad.
Ralston made that clear when he described him as a difference maker, reinforcing that this is not a player easing into form but one already delivering for Celtic.
He also pointed to the consistency behind his goal, adding that he gives Celtic quality in the final third.
“Alex is very professional and works hard every day. He’s come in and fitted in brilliantly and he gives us that quality in the final third.” Ralston told The Celtic Way.
“He’s a top guy away from the game, you wouldn’t think he’s had the career he’s had by the way he acts around the training complex and in general around the boys.
“He’s been great for us, for sure he can be a difference maker for us, he’s certainly one of them.”
Ralston’s view is matched by the Celtic manager, with the O’Neill verdict reinforcing the same conclusion after the St Mirren winner.
Celtic’s run-in will hinge on turning quality into consistency
The significance of Oxlade-Chamberlain’s impact becomes clearer when placed against the wider context of Celtic’s position in the league title race.
Every result now carries weight, as shown by the Premiership table, and that is where decisive contributions are making a key difference to Celtic’s title defence.
There is already evidence that Oxlade-Chamberlain can reach that level within a single game, with his best performance yet against St Mirren backed up by clear attacking output.
This is the second time the Hoops midfielder has popped up with a winning goal after Oxlade-Chamberlain netted a late winner in Celtic’s victory over Livingston in his Parkhead debut.
At the same time, the player himself has acknowledged the need to maintain that level, having admitted problems that have been visible at Celtic for weeks.
That balance defines the current situation, because the quality is no longer in question, only how often it can be delivered.
Ralston placed that responsibility within the wider squad context as well.
The Celtic defender continued, “He has the talent and it’s about bringing it all together. Throughout the squad we have talent, experience and a good attitude so it’s about bringing all of that together for the run in now and I’m confident that’s what we will be able to do.”
Celtic already know Oxlade-Chamberlain can decide games, and the evidence is now there in both moments and numbers.
The run-in will not be defined by potential, it will be defined by who delivers in those moments, and Celtic already have a player proving he can do exactly that.
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