ARNE ENGELS had to wait until the 82nd minute before being called into action against Dundee on Sunday.
With the clock ticking down, it was too late for the £11million Belgian playmaker to turn things around with Celtic nosediving to a dismal 2-0 loss at Dens Park.
Benjamin Nygren fared a little better as he remained on the pitch until just after the hour mark before he was withdrawn to make way for evergreen James Forrest.
The double-act combined in the 64th minute last night to conjure up the Hoops’ vital winner in the 2-1 Europa League comeback triumph over Sturm Graz at Parkhead – and both earned huge praise from beaming boss Brendan Rodgers.
SWEDE DREAMS…Celtic matchwinner Benjamin Nygren.
The pair had already been involved in Liam Scales’ 60th-minute leveller after working a quick corner-kick on the right and they got together again shortly afterwards to make sure the hosts had their first success at the fifth time of trying in European competition this season.
It was Engels who sent a sublime delivery from a set-play on the opposite flank that picked out Nygren smack in front of goal and the Swede glanced a header unerringly into the net from four yards.
Job done, points in the bag – and a satisfied manager.
Rodgers singled out the duo when he told the Daily Record: “Arne Engels, I thought, was outstanding in the game.
IT TAKES TWO…Arne Engels holds onto the ball with Benjamin Nygren floored while referee Don Robertson acts as a peacemaker with Mo Diomande getting involved in the 0-0 draw at Ibrox.
“Coming back in, he gave us that energy in that fight.
“His set-piece quality really is world-class at the level and speed at which he delivers. Overall, it was really pleasing.
“And I’m so happy for Benji because he had so many chances and he’s playing out of position, really.
“But he finds areas to get those opportunities and showed so much courage to keep going. Eventually, he gets his goal.”
Now Engels and Nygren will be hoping to keep up the good work when the champions travel to the capital on Sunday for the High Noon showdown with league leaders Hearts at Tynecastle.
