BBC Pundit's 'Class' Response To Celtic Park Moment

Deep into stoppage time, with nerves shredded and two points slipping away, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain stepped up and produced a finish that could shape the season.

Signed amid questions about fitness and sharpness, the former England international answered them in one touch and one strike. Calm and clinical.

It was his first bit of competitive football since May. Plenty wondering how long it would take him to get up to speed.

It took him minutes.

BBC Pundit Michael Stewart did not hesitate in his assessment.

“Class. It was a class goal from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Just a calm, composed, quality finish.

He’s not played since May and you’re thinking, is he going to be able to have an impact? And what an impact he’s had already.”

That is exactly how it felt inside Paradise.

There was no panic in the build-up. No rush when the opportunity opened up. Oxlade-Chamberlain recieved the ball then, bang, picked his spot and buried it. The composure stood out as much as the technique.

For large spells, it had looked like one of those frustrating nights. Livingston were organised. Celtic were probing without cutting through. Then the new man made his mark.

This is why experience matters. This is why you bring in players who have operated at the highest level. When the pressure peaks, they do not shrink.

For Martin O’Neill, it is immediate vindication. Oxlade-Chamberlain was brought in to add quality and big-game temperament. On this evidence, he offers both.

There is also a psychological edge to a win like that. Late goals change dressing rooms. They lift belief. They send supporters home thinking something special might be building.

Celtic needed someone to grab the moment.

Oxlade-Chamberlain did exactly that. And if this is only the starting point, the months ahead could get very interesting.

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