The full-back whipped in a stunning goal to silence Parkhead
Stephen Kingsley was left sweating inside the Parkhead changing room as Hearts led 2-0 when he went off injured.
The defender had struck a wonder-goal for the second goal of the afternoon as his Jambos led Celtic comfortably in their own backyard. Injury hit the left-back, though, and he was forced to stay inside after the break for treatment. That meant he had to base his reactions and understanding on the game off the atmosphere he could hear but the Scotland cap was chuffed to know his teammates defended stoutly to hold onto their two goal lead as they sealed a huge three points.
The extent of Kingsley’s injury is not believed to be too bad but the 29-year-old reckons it was the right call to keep him off as Toby Sibbick did the business in his stead.
“I was inside. I’m the most nervous person ever watching games so I was getting a bit of physio treatment first and then I was just listening in,” Kingsley said.
“Although I was anxious, hearing that made me feel like we were powerful. Although you’re never comfortable at Celtic Park, I thought our shape was unwavering. I had a peaceful confidence that we would definitely be able to work things out. With just thirty seconds remaining, I stepped outside to join in the festivities.
“I thought I would be able to handle it, but things really deteriorated at halftime, and I couldn’t have been falling behind. Everyone needed to be on the defense right away.
“I was gutted not to make it out for the second half, but Toby went in there and did brilliantly. It’s a bit in my groin adductor area. I don’t know what it is to be honest. I don’t think it’s bad, though. Coming off at half-time was the sensible move.”
“To be honest, I always feel like I’ve got a chance with free-kicks,” he added. “I’m comfortable with the technique I’ve got. I’ve had a couple of chances with them earlier this season which went close, but sometimes you need that bit of luck to see them go in. I’ve practiced it so much and I’ve got the technique so I’m always confident and positive. This is the first one in a long time and I’m happy to get the monkey off the back.
“It was relief. Not so much the free-kick itself. I couldn’t have walked up and placed it any better, especially as a lefty. But I think, if you watch the celebration back, you can see the relief. It has been a while since my last goal and I want to help out with goals. As a defender I know my main job, but I want to help out going forward and I feel like I haven’t done that enough. I was happy to help the team out.”
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