Elijah Just says he’s excited to get back playing for Motherwell after a bittersweet World Cup.
The midfielder, watched closely by Celtic and doubtless a host of other clubs, has been widely tipped to depart Fir Park after a stellar season.
If he wasn’t already a man in demand, his international performances will now have ensured that. Through the night into Saturday, Just levelled Henrik Larsson’s record of three World Cup goals as a player playing in Scotland.
He isn’t getting ahead of himself, however.
😳 Just the second after Henrik Larsson!
Incredible stuff from the Celtic target at the World Cup…
Elijah Just ‘excited’ to return to Motherwell after World Cup
Just told RNZ on his future at the Well: “A lot of the boys, they’ve just started pre-season.
“We’ve got a new coach, so on that hand I’m also excited to head back and see what kind of changes are being brought in.
READ MORE: Martin O’Neill addresses Celtic backroom staff, summer transfer plans
“We’ve got some exciting fixtures coming up to qualify for the Conference League.
“Motherwell have supported me, and they are also proud and want to put me forward, and I’m representing the club a little bit as the only member who’s playing at the World Cup.”
He said on the game itself: “It’s really disappointing. We knew it would be difficult coming in against Belgium needing the win.
“If there’s any disappointment, it’s probably looking back at the first two games.
“But it’s been a long journey, and I’m proud of the boys. Everyone worked their hardest, but it wasn’t to be — but yeah, I never would have expected to score three goals, so of course it’s nice.”
New Fir Park boss Alfred Johansson said of Just at his unveiling last week: “I haven’t spoken to him yet. I think it’s fair to him to be able to be in America and focus on the national team.
“He’s a good player, and he’s a Motherwell player. I think there’s always going to be rumours and links.
“It’s going to be a big thing. These players getting linked right, left, centre, it’s a part of expectation so l don’t focus too much about it.
“If I were to choose clubs based on one really good player, I think that would be quite naive.”
🤔 Have Celtic missed the boat for Elijah Just?
Scottish Premiership players of interest to Celtic
Celtic are never too far from a link to a Scottish Premiership player, but there is an especially high number of rumours ahead of this summer.
Just is one of no less than four Motherwell players linked: Elliot Watt, Calum Ward and Tawanda Maswanhise are also reportedly of interest.
Josh Mulligan of Hibs, a player of a similar profile to Watson, was linked with Celtic in January but isn’t short of suitors for the summer.
Calvin Miller and Barney Stewart of Falkirk have been linked, but both have now agreed moves elsewhere. Celtic are one of many interested clubs in Dundee’s Luke Graham.
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