Liel Abada

Liel Abada made a dream start to life as a Celt, scoring on his competitive debut, and the attacker is aiming to build on that throughout the campaign ahead.

Ange Postecoglou named the 19-year-old Israeli internationalist in the starting XI for Celtic’s UEFA Champions League qualifier last Tuesday, and Abada repaid the faith shown in him with a crucial goal in the 1-1 draw with FC Midtjylland.

The player had only completed his move to Celtic six days before that match, and following a couple of training sessions and a run-out in the friendly against Preston, he was selected for the Euro tie at Paradise.

Speaking exclusively to the official Celtic website, Abada said: “It was an unbelievable feeling to start on such a big occasion in front of the fans for Champions League qualification.

'I gained so much confidence from the manager and my team-mates. Being given that opportunity showed me that they fully trusted me.'

“The training sessions I had with the team really helped me get to know the players, the manager and what the manager wants from me. It gave me an understanding of the expectations around the club. I had a few video sessions with the coaching staff and that really helped me understand the role they wanted me to play.

"When I arrived at Celtic Park on the bus, I was in shock with all the fans outside waiting to support us as we stepped off the bus. That was a new experience for me and I hope to make the fans proud."



Having caused FC Midtjylland problems down the right-hand side, and almost setting up Ryan Christie for the opening goal, with Christie hitting the post from Abada's cross, the Israeli then found then net in the 38th minute. Christie's shot was parried by the Danish keeper, and it was Abada who was quickest to react, firing home a left-foot shot, much to the delight of the 9,000 supporters in the stadium.

“I was really excited at the beginning of the game," he admitted. "It’s a big stage and an important game for us. As soon as the game started and I got on the ball, I gained a lot of confidence.

'The fans gave me a lot of confidence and the players around me helped me settle and feel confident.'

"That made me feel like I could do something special and I’m really happy I was able to help the team by scoring. To score on my debut was the best start I could ask for. I want to continue like this, work hard and show everyone that I’m a good player who can help the team.

"The most important thing for me is to help the team win. It doesn’t matter if I score, as long as the team wins, and I feel confident we can win on Wednesday.”

 

he’s hungry for a trophy or two this season.

 

He reminds me of him too: does his best work off the ball, but isn’t shy of the odd dribble either; is continually looking to exploit space, get in behind and score.

 

Great vid, but what is with this old school looking, cowboy/Western film style font we’ve been using recently? Weird.

 

I agree with all of this except the last bit...the guy is tiny

 

Yeah, I wasn’t sure where he was getting that from either. Sure I read he’s 5ft 6!

 

can still be a specimen at 5'6"... I should know

 

I love him.

Not least as he makes me feel like a giant at 5,9...

 

The guy is living the dream. 19 years old he joins Celtic, fans back in the ground and scores on his debut.

 

Excellent assist there

 

This guy is a proper baller. Be selling him down south for £50m

 

Defo looks the part !! Great bit of play and cross for the 2nd goal

 

Rapid. Very exciting going forwards. Has the odd short pass in him though.

 

Just hope he gets nothing but encouragement and is given every chance to keep building himself up.

 

He whips in a good ball with the inside of his foot, something we have badly missed. He looks a right player.

 

He's suprisingly good, strong, quick, really fit, confident, dribbles good, crosses well, makes runs into the box to score even crossing and shooting with his left foot.

Quite a complete player at only 19, never knew what to expect from him but doesn't seem to lack anything. Wingers especially you can usually see fault in right away if they lose the ball to much or their crossing is pish or they try to take on too many men or they switch off defensively or aren't that quick or play with their head down too much or can't shoot but he looks like someone in his prime who's played for us for years.

He looks the real deal.

 

His ability to close the gap between him and edoaurd today was top class. He's gonna score lot goals from rw

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He’s definitely been a positive addition , Fair play to Dudu with supplying the goods. Think he will have a cracking career with us just as jamesy is getting older as I think he would struggle to get infront of him. Abada has certainly taking up that RW role and can’t see him giving it up for no man

 

You can tell he's going to be our Turnbull this coming season. He'll be our shining light in a * storm.