JULIAN ARAUJO, an instant hit with the Celtic support, is loving his time at the champions.
The Mexico international right-back joined the Hoops on loan from Bournemouth early in the January transfer window – about the only thing Wilfried Nancy got right in his 33 disastrous days in charge – and has hit the ground running.
Araujo enhanced his standing among the followers when he rifled in the seventh-minute stoppage-time winner in the 3-2 triumph over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park and made a beeline for the away support to celebrate.
Ex-Celt Ryan Christie has revealed how he figured in convincing his south-coast team-mate to go to Parkhead at the turn of the year.
ROARING SUCCESS…Julian Araujo heads for the Celtic fans after thumping in the stoppage-time winner against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park last month.
Asked if he had anything to do with the temporary transfer, the Scotland World Cup-bound midfielder, speaking in the Scottish Football Social Club, admitted: “I did.
“He was actually down in Bournemouth a couple of days ago. It was funny speaking to him about it. Very, very funny. I tried to warn him before he went up.
“I said: ‘The fans are a different level up there. Get ready for that.’
“And the first thing he said is: ‘Why didn’t you warn me?’
“He’s loved it. He’s absolutely loved it, to be fair. He’s loved Glasgow. He’s a good laugh. Yeah, he’s a good fit.
He’s picked up a wee knock, so he’s desperate to get fit again as soon as he can and get back playing.”
GOVAN GLEE CLUB…Julian Araujo celebrates in front of the joyous Celtic fans after the Scottish Cup penalty-kick shoot-out victory at Ibrox.
With Alistair Johnston’s season ravaged by injury, the Hoops desperately needed a consistent right-back with Anthony Ralston and Colby Donovan alternating in the role.
Araujo has provided the answer and there are now calls for the champions to make the move permanent.
A huge snag is the player’s salry at the Premier League club – around the £50,000-per-week mark- plus the fact he is under contract until June 2029.
The 24-year-old California-born defender is a doubt for Martin O’Neill’s men before today’s 12.30pm kick-off against Dundee United at Tannadice.
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