Marian Shved’s Celtic debut couldn’t have gone any better.
Celtic dismantled Nomme Kalju 7-0 on aggregate after putting the finishing touches on the Estonians on Tuesday night. After an own goal before the first 10 minutes were up, Shved popped up after coming on late in the second half to make the scoreline glossier.
Picking the ball up after Leigh Griffiths had forced the attentions of two Kalju centre-backs, Shved took a couple of touches before rifling home into the top corner. It was a stunning strike from the Ukrainian. More importantly, it provided Shved with a timely confidence booster.
And speaking to the official Celtic website, Shved was clearly delighted with how everything panned out.
“I got my first goal for Celtic and I’m very happy. The team played a good game, we played very well. I was also happy to score, having missed my first chance at goal just after coming on.
“As soon as I connected with the ball I knew I was going to score. It’s a very important goal for me, both in my Celtic career and my career as a whole. I was delighted when it hit the net, I think you could see that from celebration and I love the Celtic fans.
“The manager was pleased with us all after the game, and we were pleased with a good win, in Estonia and 7-0 on aggregate over both legs. Neil Lennon is a very good coach and he’s very good to me as well.”
Shved’s Celtic debut couldn’t have gone any better
Debut goals are always special. But there’s no denying that when it’s an attacker of any kind, it always means just that little bit more.
This was exactly the kind of play that we were expecting from Shved when he arrived earlier this summer. It’s the kind of goal that’s been all over his highlight reels, and to show it in green-and-white is a boost for supporters.
It’s all the more impressive considering Shved has been dealing with a frustrating injury since arriving this summer. The Ukrainian was injured against St Gallen, and was robbed of the chance of making an impression in any of our first three competitive games.
It’s unlikely that he starts on Saturday against St Johnstone, but he’s fully announced himself now. He puts himself right in the frame for a potential sub appearance this weekend. James Forrest will surely have the jersey after being rested during the clash in Estonia, but Shved is now breathing down his neck for a chance.
It’s exactly the kind of competition we’ve been lacking down the right side for too long. It’s essential that Shved kicks on from this, as Forrest hasn’t had any legitimate competition since Patrick Roberts.
Hopefully, Shved can be the man to push Jimmy. So far, his attitude has been spot on. More moments like his debut goal will only warm him to supporters even more.
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