Michael Gannon has said that Celtic didn’t sign Elijah Just in January because he didn’t fit Martin O’Neill’s profile.
Since then, Just has been named Motherwell’s Player of the Year for 2026-27 and been nominated for the league’s same award by the SPFA…
And on his World Cup debut with New Zealand this week, he made an extraordinary impact by scoring both of their goals in their 2-2 draw with Iran.
Many in the Parkhead support have called for his signing, but Gannon has cast doubt over whether it will happen, despite the club’s well-established interest.
🤔 Have Celtic missed the boat for Elijah Just?
Michael Gannon: Celtic have missed the boat for Elijah Just
Gannon said on the Record Celtic Podcast: “I just thought there was so much talk [in January] about Celtic, and Maswanhise being a striker… that they needed to go and sign Maswanhise.
“He kind of came off the boil a wee bit, Maswanhise. I can understand why there was a bit of reluctance on that part.
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“I kept saying, ‘They’re looking at the wrong guy! The guy they want is Elijah Just!’
“You’re talking about Callum McGregor — Callum McGregor just turned 33. Elijah Just is a wee guy, but he’s hard as nails.
“He’s brilliant on the ball, and he’s added a goal to his game as well. He knits the game together. I think he’d be a cracking addition.
“Celtic should’ve kicked the door down to get him in January, but I understand that he didn’t fit the profile for Martin O’Neill, because he’s a wee guy.
“Listen, I think that’s a red herring. Because he’s small, but he’s tough as old boots.
“And, by the way, his first goal [against Iran] when he links up with Chris Wood… he wins the ball back, he plays a one-two and he shrugs off two guys, and he’s strong. He really is strong.
“I just think he would’ve been an ideal addition there. Even now, I don’t think he’ll fit what Martin O’Neill is looking for next season.
“But I think the boat’s been missed. I think they should’ve went and kicked the door down in January.”
What would be your one message to Martin O’Neill about Celtic’s upcoming transfer window?
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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