New Zealand boss Darren Bazeley says that the many people watching Elijah Just will have been impressed by his showing against Iran.
The Celtic target scored both of his side’s goals as their World Cup opener ended in a 2-2 draw.
As if his stellar performances for Motherwell this season weren’t impressive enough, Just’s California brace will have wowed scouts at Parkhead and beyond.
For Bazeley, it simply confirmed what he already knew.
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Darren Bazeley not surprised by Elijah Just performance
Bazeley told the media: “I thought he was outstanding today, Eli. It didn’t surprise me.
“I’ve known him for a long time, and he’s played really well for the All-Whites, scored goals and had great performances.
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“This year — and again, people probably don’t know — he’s playing in Scotland for Motherwell, and he’s had an outstanding year.
“He’s scored goals, got Player of the Season, almost got Player of the [Scottish Premiership], made team of the year… so he’s had an outstanding season in Scotland.
“And he brought that with him. He brought that today and showed the world how dangerous he can be.
“He is slight-built, but he gets into pockets, gets turned, and he’s quick. He’s great with the ball, very intelligent, links with [Chris Wood] really well, like the goal.
“I think a lot of people are probably watching that today and saying: ‘He’s a very good player, he’s building his career and this is probably going to help him a lot.”
Celtic and Rangers are both reportedly chasing Just ahead of the summer, making a Fir Park exit seem likely.
Just admitted that talk of interest from Celtic has been ‘nice to hear’ ahead of the tournament.
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The career of Celtic target Elijah Just
Despite making his New Zealand debut at age 19, it took Just some time to start making his mark in European football.
He worked with Jens Berthel Askou at Horsens in Denmark before moving to St Polten in Austria, where he spent last season on loan.
Since reuniting with his former boss in Lanarkshire, Just has been a revelation. A left-footed player, he essentially operates as a number ten, roaming the final third.
With seven goals and eight assists, he has made his mark with attacking contributions, but he has also been credited for his effort out of possession as a willing runner.
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