Sebastian Tounekti proved to be an inspired substitution by Martin O’Neill as Celtic came from two goals down to beat Kilmarnock.
Celtic snatched it at the death when Julian Araujo was there to smash home Tomas Cvancara’s low ball across the box to move to within three points of Hearts before they play Rangers.
Top scorer Benjamin Nygren had found the equaliser from close range but the goal of the day was Tounekti’s, who curled in a beautiful effort to kickstart the comeback.
The Tunisia international has steadily improved week-by-week and there is now an argument to say that he should be starting over Daizen Maeda.
- READ MORE: Five things we learned from Celtic’s win vs Kilmarnock, as Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda are finished
Sebastian Tounekti should start for Celtic ahead of Daizen Maeda against Stuttgart
Change my mind…
Sebastian Tounekti’s gamechanging performance vs Kilmarnock
Martin O’Neill made three changes at the break after being left incensed by the first 45 minutes at Rugby Park.
Tounekti cost Celtic £5.5m and was brought in to have moments like this. O’Neill was right to put his faith in him.
He had more shots in less time than Maeda, as well as cover more distance, make more dribbles and was far better defensively, according to Sofascore.
Of course, the goal was a thing of beauty, but having that option to come and take on players, try and make things happen is everything that was lacking when Maeda was on the pitch.
Rank the impact of each Celtic player who was brought on as a half time sub against Kilmarnock
From least effective to most effective
Sebastian Tounekti must start against Stuttgart
If Tounekti was auditioning for a spot in the starting XI against Stuttgart on Thursday, he certainly passed with flying colours.
The 24-year-old has proven to be a reliable impact sub, but also caught the eye on the right wing against Livingston.
He has done more than enough to earn a spot in the XI for the Europa League clash and it should mean that Maeda drops to the bench.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
