'Crazy' Celtic moments relived as new icon left living dream after heady Champions League night

The Colombian produced two fine strikes either side of half-time, alongside Benjamin Nygren's opener, to help Martin O'Neill's side build a 3-0 first-leg cushion over the Austrians and move the club to the brink of qualification for the lucrative league phase.

Despite his decisive contribution, Duran was keen to play down his individual achievement and stressed that Celtic have not yet accomplished anything, even if he believed a special night was possible.

Speaking through a translator, he said: “Everyone knew that Celtic had a history in the Champions League and that something like this could happen. With God’s help, I was able to score two goals and help my team get the win. It has been a truly incredible night. Now I’m going to rest and think about the next game, because we haven’t won or achieved anything yet.”

The electric atmosphere inside Celtic Park also left a major impression on the attacker. Having experienced Champions League football last season with Qarabag, Duran described the environment in Glasgow's east end as unlike anything he had previously encountered.

“It’s totally different to anything I experienced in the Champions League last season,” the 24-year-old explained. “Celtic are the biggest club in Scotland. The stadium is always full, the fans are always supporting us and that can make a huge difference in the Champions League as well.”

Duran unable to pick a favourite goal - ‘both were incredible’

Both of Duran’s goals were equally impressive, but he was unable to pick a favourite when asked which one he considered the better finish. “For me, both were incredible,” he said with a grin. “Scoring a goal like those ones in this stadium, with all the fans, with the place absolutely full, is so crazy. I hope to keep scoring many more.”

However, Duran knows the job is far from finished. Celtic travel to Linz next week with a commanding lead, but he insists they must approach the second leg with the same intensity they showed at home, particularly after last season's shock exit to Kairat Almaty on penalties still fresh in the memory for some players.

“Everyone knows there’s 90 minutes left,” he said. “We’re going to go out on the pitch like we did at home. We’re always giving our best and hopefully we can get the win. We need to do a good job and move on to the next phase. Hopefully there is a lot more to come.”

Duran puts team first over personal preference

Duran has also demonstrated a willingness to put the team first. Although naturally a striker, he is comfortable operating on the right-hand side if that is where O'Neill believes he can have the greatest impact.

“Everyone knows that I’m a striker but I’m always going to be willing to play where the coach and the team need me,” he said. “Since I arrived, the coaches and the other players have helped me in the best way. That has helped me to adapt more easily and it’s been reflected in what I have done on the pitch.”

And while his performances are already making a big impression on the field, Duran is also making progress off it.

“My English is getting better, little by little,” he smiled. “I know I’ll soon be speaking English.”