Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain reacts to dream debut as ex-Liverpool star scores dramatic winner

Former Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain scored a dramatic late winner on his Celtic debut, a few days after signing for the Scottish club as a free agent

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain of Celtic reacts

Ex-Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain secured a dream debut for his new club, Celtic, after netting a 91st-minute winner in the Scottish Premiership.

Sent on around 13 minutes earlier, Oxlade-Chamberlain, who made 146 appearances for Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp between 2017 and 2023, scored in stoppage time to keep Celtic in touching distance of league leader Hearts and only a point behind Rangers, who could only draw with Motherwell.

Rangers plays Hearts next, so at least one of the two teams above Celtic will definitely drop points during the upcoming weekend. Martin O'Neill's side will take on Kilmarnock away from home.

Oxlade-Chamberlain fired in a shot from the edge of the penalty area to secure the points for Celtic. Hearts had beaten Hibernian by a goal to nil the night before.

"I was drawing that one up in the hotel room earlier," Oxlade-Chamberlain told Celtic TV.

"They are the things you dream of. Still at this age, late on in my career, moments like that are why we play this game. You never get bored of it.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was unveiled to Celtic fans ahead of the Scottish Cup game against Dundee on Saturday, Feb 7 2026.(Image: Stuart Wallace/Shutterstock)

"I'm delighted the club has given me the chance to be back on the pitch and put faith in me to have moments like that. Now that is my job: to add quality.

"The boys had been knocking the door down for a long time. We have to learn that we need moments like that, bits of quality, and be more clinical to see games out.

"Great character from the boys, they stayed focused all the way through the game and got the job done.

"It’s everything. I saw it the other night, and it’s a special place. Tonight proved it. I’ve seen it over the years watching Celtic, and to feel that now — it’s a massive club.

"The fans play such a big role. As players, it’s our job to keep inspiring them, keep them with us, and keep performing for them."

Oxlade-Chamberlain had been without a club since leaving the Turkish side Besiktas in the summer. He will play in the Europa League this season, with Celtic set to take on Stuttgart in the play-off round.

Liverpool.com says: Celtic makes a lot of sense as a move for Oxlade-Chamberlain. He can still play at a good level, in front of a big crowd, and in Europe. Hopefully he can stay fit and make the most of it.