We’re only going to get even better, warns Elyounoussi

BY the time Mohamed Elyounoussi had curled the fourth into the top corner on the cusp of half-time, it was hard to believe this was supposed to be the kind of taxing afternoon on which any positive result would have been viewed as a good one for Celtic.

Slicing through Aberdeen and virtually scoring at will in an extraordinary 45 minutes, Neil Lennon’s men fed the script to the shredder. So much for these away assignments following European highs stretching the visitors to the limit. So much for a Pittodrie match tighter than piano wire.

While Aberdeen were very soft and passive, so attuned were Celtic from the off that even the home side’s best may not have been enough.

Those in opposing camps seeking a crumb of comfort are likely to be disappointed. Asked if a recalibrated Celtic side are only likely to gather pace as the weeks go by, on-loan Southampton winger Elyounoussi was in little doubt.

‘I think so, because relationships between the players on the pitch are getting better,’ said the Norwegian international.

‘Boli (Bolingoli) and I were linking up along with James (Forrest) and Jeremie (Frimpong) on the right.

‘The relations are important and when you know where players are going to be it’s a lot easier to play one-twos or play through. We’ll get better with more games.’

With Scott Brown and Callum McGregor providing a strong defensive base, the interplay between Tom Rogic, Odsonne Edouard, Forrest and Elyounoussi was, at times, utterly sublime. It was as if 95 energy-sapping minutes against Lazio had never happened.

‘We played well against Lazio but we remembered what happened the last time after a European game when we lost at Livingston,’ said Elyounoussi.

‘Every team in the league wants to win against Celtic. Every game is tough. The Livingston game was in the back of our heads but we just wanted to win and do our best.’

Last weekend, after seeing his side stick six past Ross County, Lennon felt the display was the equal of any he’d overseen in his two spells in charge. Yesterday’s rout provided another contender.

‘The first-half performance is up there at the top,’ said Elyounoussi. ‘As good as Ross County last week.

‘We created some chances, we scored quick goals and in the second half we wanted more.

‘Tom Rogic came in and was brilliant. He found me twice for two of the goals. The confidence and team spirit is really good.’

With each passing week, Frimpong is defying those who believe he’s too young to keep Hatem Abd Elhamed and Moritz Bauer on the sidelines.

A first goal in Celtic colours garlanded an outstanding display at right-back by the 18-year-old signed from Manchester City.

‘Jeremie was great today and defensively we were strong,’ added Elyounoussi.

‘He has quick feet and is very brave for his age. He needs to keep his feet on the ground and keep working.

‘He is still in the early stages of his career and if he is humble and works hard then he can have a great career.’