HIGH PRAISE FOR ELYOUNOUSSI

FORMER Celtic star Davie Provan rates Mohamed Elyounoussi’s soaring header to complete his hat-trick against Motherwell as being in the Cristiano Ronaldo class.

The Norwegian international had already scored two goals in the first-half, but the Hoops were pegged back a goal in the 72nd minute when Declan Gallagher scored when he was allowed to get on the end of a 40-yard free-kick from Liam Polworth.

However, Eyounoussi had a quickfire response when he launched himself at a right-wing cross from substitute Hatem Abd Elhamed to bullet an unstoppable header low beyond the despairing Aaron Chapman to restore the two-goal advantage.

Olivier Ntcham was set up by Odsonne Edouard to roll in the fourth to cement a 4-1 victory to make sure three crucial points were taken to Parkhead.

Provan was impressed by the on-loan Southampton forward and wrote in his column in the Scottish Sun on Sunday: “Mohamed Elyounoussi couldn’t have done more to shut up his critics against Motherwell.

“The Fir Park header that completed his hat-trick could have been from Cristiano Ronaldo’s collection.

“The fall guy for the Sparta Prague debacle after being caught on his mobile, the Norwegian reminded everyone of his ability.

“It was a top performance from a top player.”

Elyounoussi is with team-mate Kristoffer Ajer on international duty this week, but will almost certainly feature for the Hoops when they face Hibs at Easter Road as they resume Premiership duties.