Martin O’Neill explains his reaction to Camilo Duran’s stunning Celtic winner against Hibs

Celtic came from behind to secure a valuable 2-1 victory over Hibernian at Easter Road, with Camilo Duran producing a superb finish to complete the comeback.

The Colombian forward has been in excellent form, taking his goal tally to 10 this season. His latest strike followed goals in recent matches against Benfica and Hearts, further strengthening his importance to the Celtic attack.

Martin O’Neill was full of praise for the 23-year-old after the match, admitting that he almost expected Duran to find the net when the opportunity presented itself.

Martin O’Neill praises Camilo Duran’s outstanding finish

Speaking to Celtic TV after the win, O’Neill was asked about Duran’s decisive effort, which arrived in the 43rd minute.

“He’s brilliant! A really brilliant finish,” the Celtic manager said.

O’Neill went on to explain that he had a feeling the forward would score as soon as he collected the ball near the edge of the penalty area.

“The minute that he picks that ball up on the edge of the penalty box I almost feel as if he’s going to score a goal as well too.”

The manager described the strike as a fantastic goal that ultimately proved to be the difference between the sides.

Duran controlled possession outside the Hibernian box before bending a left-footed shot beyond goalkeeper Raphael Sallinger. It was another example of the finishing quality that has made him one of Celtic’s most dangerous attacking players in recent weeks.

However, the forward began the contest on the right flank, with Kasper Hogh selected as the central striker.

That selection has raised questions given Duran’s recent scoring record and the impact he has made when deployed through the middle.

Duran’s best position presents O’Neill with a selection dilemma

O’Neill has previously offered an insight into where he believes Duran can be most effective for Celtic.

After the club’s League Cup victory over Dundee United in August, the manager indicated that he saw the Colombian as a natural fit for the centre-forward role or a position just behind the main striker.

“I still think the best of him is maybe centre forward or just off the centre forward,” O’Neill explained at the time.

Duran subsequently delivered an impressive performance through the middle during Celtic’s emphatic 7-1 victory over Hearts, providing further evidence to support that view.

Against Hibs, however, Hogh was given the opportunity to lead the line, while Duran started out wide. The Danish forward missed a promising first-half chance before being substituted in the 64th minute.

Duran later moved into a central position but was also taken off nine minutes afterwards.

Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton has also questioned the decision to deploy Duran on the right wing, suggesting that the forward’s qualities could be better utilised closer to goal.

Although Duran has demonstrated that he can score from different attacking positions, his recent performances give O’Neill an important decision to make regarding Celtic’s starting lineup.

Hogh is competing for the central striking role, but Duran’s consistent goalscoring exploits are making an increasingly strong case for him to lead the line.

With 10 goals already to his name this season, the Colombian is giving his manager plenty to consider as Celtic look to maintain their momentum.