Neil Lennon has hailed Vakoun Bayo after his first Celtic start and insists he should be delighted with his showing.
The Ivorian striker scored twice during the 3-1 win over Hearts, although both could eventually go down as own goals if the powers-that-be decide otherwise.
But his overall play impressed Lennon and he got on the end of two chances even if they won't be officially credited to him later down the line.
Bayo caused problems for Christophe Berra and Craig Halkett in the Hearts defence and both players have been among the best centre backs in Scotland over the past year.
And Lennon said: "It was a bit of a slow burner for him but once he got up to speed he was excellent. Good strength and that’s his forte.
"Getting across defenders for the first goal against a superb centre half and he shows his strength and like I say, I think his second goal was a super goal. Great switch of play, brilliantly worked and a great finish so he can be absolutely delighted with his debut. We are."
Lennon was thrilled by the overall performance from Celtic and revealed his pride as they ran out comfortable winners.
Callum McGregor grabbed the second goal sandwiched between Bayo's double before Connor Washington scored a late consolation.
That came after he had missed a penalty and Lennon insists it shouldn't have been given in the first place.
He added: "I’m thrilled. Absolutely delighted. Under the circumstances. It was an absolutely brilliant performance and three fantastic goals. I loved the third goal, near post cross and Bayo gets across and it was a brilliant finish.
"The first goal was a great move, we used the switch of play better in the second half and played some brilliant stuff. Really disappointed with the penalty, if anything it is a foul on Christopher Jullien before the ball breaks to Sean Clare so really disappointed with that decision that went against us but apart from that then overall the overriding emotion is one of pride and absolutely delighted with how the players are playing.
"There’s a bit of fatigue there and obviously when Hearts get the goal they get a bit of a lift and I don’t think the penalty should have been given in the first place."
