Celtic ace in Parkhead contract limbo as he guides Airdrie to epic play-off comeback

Jon Afolabi admits he poured his coronary heart and soul into his efficiency throughout Airdrie's astonishing Championship play-off semi-final comeback towards Montrose - as a result of he feared it could be his ultimate recreation for the Diamonds.

The Irishman is on mortgage at New Broomfield from Celtic after a February change and climbed off the bench to assist spark a revival the Diamonds followers will probably by no means see once more.

After shedding the primary leg 1-0 in Angus, a Cammy F Ballantyne brace had Montrose 3-0 up on mixture with 52 minutes on the clock.

However Airdrie rallied in dramatic style to win the tie 6-4 on the day and 6-5 on mixture after extra-time.

Afolabi was a seventieth minute substitute and arrange one of many targets for second half hat-trick hero Callum Smith, earlier than Calum Gallagher's 87th minute strike pressured extra-time at 4-4 on mixture.

Within the one hundred and fifth minute, excellent Afolabi bought on the scoresheet himself with a composed end earlier than organising fellow sub Gabby McGill's 119th minute strike which proved decisive for Ian Murray's males.

And Afolabi, whose aspect now play Queen's Park within the ultimate over two legs subsequent week, revealed: "It might have been my final recreation for the membership so I simply needed to offer it my all and no matter occurs, occurs.

"I am so delighted I helped flip it round.

Afolabi (L) celebrates scoring in further time to make it 5-3

"The gaffer stated earlier than I went on: Simply go and provides all the things and present what you are able to.

"And that is what I attempted to do on the pitch.

"That is the rationale you play soccer, for moments like that.

"It was nice to totally flip the tie round. To be three targets down and win the way in which we did is simply distinctive.

"Everyone seems to be all buzzing. It was an important effort from the lads and as quickly as we would made the scoreline equal, we might have been happy with one another it doesn't matter what occurred.

"To go the entire method is simply nice.

"Everybody can be filled with confidence for the ultimate.

"It doesn't matter what staff goes on the market and performs, everybody goes to be prepared one another to go that bit additional."

Airdrie's Jonathan Afolabi (L) celebrates scoring in further time to make it 5-3 (Picture: SNS Group)

The 22-year-old ahead is out of contract with Celtic on the finish of the season, however hopes his efforts will encourage the Hoops to take up the choice of a one-year extension to his Parkhead deal.

Afolabi, who made his Diamonds debut in a 4-1 league win over Montrose in February, defined: "Celtic have not stated something but, however they've the choice to increase it subsequent season.

"Hopefully moments like this may help that, that is the one factor I can say in the intervening time.

"I haven't got a clue what is going to occur. I have not been fascinated about subsequent season but.

"I am simply concentrating on Airdrie and we'll see the place I am going after that."

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