Moritz Jenz says it was a dream come true to score on his Celtic debut – and jump into the crowd to celebrate. The big German defender popped up with a vital header to give Celtic a vital late lead against Ross County.
Ange Postecoglou ’s side had been pegged back to 1-1 when Alex Iacovitti cancelled out Kyogo Furuhashi’s opener. But Jenz was the Hoops’ unlikely hero with a bullet header six minutes from time before Liel Abada clinched a 3-1 win in injury time. Joyful Jenz celebrated among the travelling fans in Dingwall then revealed that he’s always dreamt of scoring at a British ground and jumping into the crowd.
The stopper said: “It was amazing to play my first game in front of a fantastic away crowd and then to score, it was like a dream come true. Of course, you must have a good relationship with the fans because they back you up even in difficult moments.
"Today was difficult, we were pushed to the end, and they helped us. It was incredible to celebrate with them at the goal.
“I’ve always wanted to score in a British game and run into the crowd. It was amazing. It took some time to get out but I did.”
Even at 1-1, Jenz insists Celtic were never in any doubt they could win the game late on. He said: “We knew we had to win so I wanted to get in there and score the goal.
“You hope to get on the end of the ball and I timed it well. I showed real desire to score. We always believed we would win even with six minutes to go. At Celtic, you have to win games so we believed until the end.”
Jenz was also booked on his first Premiership start and says he’s rarely come up against a team like County. He enjoyed the experience but now knows he has a battle on his hands to keep the jersey with defender Carl Starfelt back from injury.
Jenz said: “It was my first experience of Scottish football and I expected them to be very physical. We knew they’d play first time balls in behind us and try to win second balls. That was a very interesting combat but you have to play your own game and be brave.
“It was quicker than I expected, it was quick and direct. It’s a different style for me but some teams play like this. We play in a different way, attacking, brave football.
I now need to continue to train hard and if I get the chance to play, give my best. It’s a team game. I’ll keep pushing and the coach will decide who plays.
“I’m looking forward to continuing playing like that. I want to be confident and consistent this season.”
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