Elijah Just: New Zealand media react to Celtic target’s performance vs Egypt

Elijah Just once again impressed for New Zealand this World Cup as the Motherwell star proved to be a menace in the 3-1 defeat to Egypt.

The attacker started against the North African side and was one of the best players on the field for the Kiwis as they were unable to withstand Mohamed Salah’s brilliance.

Just has emerged as a Celtic target in recent months after his stellar performances for Motherwell in the 2025-26 campaign.

On Monday, he once again showed his quality, with the New Zealand media labelling him as a “pest” for the Egyptians in both attack and defence.

Last week, the 26-year-old earned headlines for a brace against Iran as he helped the Kiwis pick up a point.

Now they can secure a place in the World Cup knockout stages if they are able to beat Belgium later this week.

Just is no doubt one of the Scottish Premiership’s biggest breakout stars over the past year.

His form has earned him widespread praise, and interest in the attacker is only growing by the day.

Therefore, it will surprise few people that he was New Zealand’s standout player against Egypt despite the nation being unable to pick up a result.

The New Zealand Herald gave Just the joint-highest rating on the pitch at a seven before stating: “Proved to be a real pest for the Egyptians on both attack and defence.

“He moved well with the ball and created a couple of opportunities in the first half, while he hustled back to make tackles and dispossess the Egyptians.

“A solid outing to back up his heroics against Iran.”

Football Insider has exclusively revealed that Motherwell are resigned to losing Just this summer transfer window.

Celtic and Rangers are long-term admirers, but now face competition for his signature as he continues to impress.

A number of clubs are keeping an eye on the attacker’s performances in the World Cup, and interest is believed to have grown after his brace against Iran.

As a result, Motherwell are willing to let him depart Fir Park for the right price this summer as they prepare for their upcoming European campaign, with it becoming clear that they won’t be able to hold onto him.

However, it remains to be seen if Celtic are able to win the race for his signature, or if they will miss out on Just, who has been a clear target for quite some time at Parkhead.