ANGE POSTECOGLOU wasn’t one bit surprised Alexandro Bernabei almost ripped the netting away behind keeper Ross Laidlaw as he launched an unstoppable drive high into the net for the goal that sealed Celtic’s 2-0 win in Dingwall.
Eight minutes of stoppage-time had been indicated as the champions led with a first-half stoppage-time penalty-kick strike from Filipe Jota.
The announcement of extended play acted as oxygen to Ross County, a team currently fighting for their Premiership lives.
The Highlanders desperately sought an equaliser in a contest dominated by the visitors, but was still astonishingly in the balance after a series of missed opportunities where Kyogo Furuhashi proved he is only human by passing up an absolute snip with just the keeper to beat.
WHAM…Alexandro Bernabei takes off as he fires in Celtic’s second goal in Dingwall.
It was most unlike the 26-goal hitman to blow such an easy opportuity after being set up by Daizen Maeda after a lung-bursting surge down the left.
But tension was eased deep into stoppage time when David Turnbull and Jota combined on the right following a corner-kick.
The Portuguese flyer whipped over a low cross, Sead Haksabanovic cleverly dummied the ball and Argentinian defender came steaming in from the left, took a touch and then simply walloped a thunderous drive beyond the helpless Laidlaw.
A beaming Postecoglou, speaking to the Daily Record, said: “It was good from Berno. We know he has it in his locker because we see it in training.
“Hopefully, it gives him confidence and belief. He’s still learning and getting up to speed with the way we play which isn’t easy.
“He works hard every day and has got his reward. We had guys getting on making an impact which is what we ask for.”
PARADISE IN THE HIGHLANDS…Alexandro Bernabei accepts the accolades from the delighted Celtic fans.
Bernabei, bought for £3.75million from top-flight outfit Lanus in the summer, made his appearance following a second-half injury to Greg Taylor who hobbled off after a collision with opposite number Connor Randall.
However, the Hoops boss reckons the Scotland international will be fit for selection when Michael Beale’s Ibrox side to Parkhead on Saturday when the champions will have the opportunity to extend their lead at the top of league to 12 points with only seven games to play.
Postecoglou added: “Greg had a dead leg which hampered him, but it’s nothing that’s going to keep him out I wouldn’t think.”
JOTA PENALTY AND BERNABEI BLASTER GET JOB DONE
