Former Rangers manager Barry Ferguson has admitted that Celtic have a ‘top player’ on their hands in Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Ferguson was speaking about the former Liverpool star after Oxlade-Chamberlain scored a dramatic late winner against Livingston on his Celtic debut midweek.
Celtic beat Livingston after the former England international announced himself to the Hoops support with a fine curling effort in the win.
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And it seems that Oxlade-Chamberlain has impressed Ferguson as he worries that Martin O’Neill has unearthed a gem.
Barry Ferguson admits Celtic have a ‘top player’ in Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Oxlade-Chamberlain’s Celtic arrival was mocked by Rangers fans online as they labelled him the new Aaron Ramsey.
Well, that was rammed right down their throats after Wednesday night as Oxlade-Chamberlain drew Celtic closer to Rangers as the Ibrox club choked at Motherwell.
And it seems that Ferguson is a huge fan of the new Celtic man as he laments the Hoops’ late, late show against Livingston.
Ferguson told The Go Radio Football Show, “They’re finding a way to win games. They’re not playing great. I think if you ask Martin O’Neill that and you ask the players, they would totally agree.
“But you keep going to the final seconds, and that’s what they’ve done against Livingston. They’re fighting for their lives. They’re going to come and sit behind the ball and make it tough.
“But listen, don’t take anything away from Oxlade-Chamberlain. It was a brilliant finish. That just shows you the quality that he’s got.
“He has just not played a lot of football over the last number of months, but listen, he’s played at the highest level. He’s a Champions League winner. He’s a guy who has loads of ability.
“If Celtic get him up and running, then they’ve got a top player.”
Celtic’s next crunch fixture
Celtic’s next fixture pits the Hoops up against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park. Another three points will heap more pressure onto Rangers and Hearts.
Why? Well, both meet at Ibrox on Sunday and whatever the result, one or both of the pair are guaranteed to drop points.
If that happens, then Celtic can either overtake Rangers or close the gap to Hearts to at least four points if O’Neill negotiates a win in Ayrshire.
This weekend could be pivotal in the title race, as could Oxlade-Chamberlain’s second Celtic appearance.
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