History making World Cup star tipped to make step up after proving exactly why Celtic and Rangers were linked with him

Elijah Just will have more than just Scotland’s two biggest teams chasing him if he keeps up his World Cup heroics.

The Motherwell forward announced himself on football’s biggest stage on Tuesday, as he fired in a stunning double for New Zealand in their 2-2 draw with Iran.

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Just needed only seven minutes to get on the scoresheet, when he put the All Whites in front with a brilliantly-taken half volley.

The 26-year-old doubled his money in the second half with another impressive goal, exchanging passes with Chris Wood before finishing powerfully to retake the lead for his side, before wheeling away to celebrate with overnight star Tim Payne.

While his efforts weren’t enough to get New Zealand over the line in the Group G opener, Just enjoyed an historic night.

He became the first Motherwell player to score at a World Cup, and automatically smashed another record with his second goal.

Just is now the first-ever All White to net twice in a finals match, while his tally also makes him his country’s all-time leading goalscorer in the tournament.

Just rewards?

talkSPORT football expert Andy Brassell believes Just’s World Cup heroics will bring plenty of interest to his door, with Scottish Premiership fans already well aware of his capabilities.

This term, the attacker registered seven goals and eight assists in his debut season at Motherwell, helping them to finish an impressive fourth and secure Conference League qualification.

His displays have already drawn interest from Scotland’s top clubs, with both champions Celtic and Rangers reportedly interested.

But Brassell told talkSPORT: “Elijah Just is going to take a huge step up in the football world after his brilliant performance for New Zealand against Iran last night. 

“Two goals for him, meaning he’s the first Kiwi to score twice in a World Cup finals match, first Motherwell player to score in a World Cup finals match at all.”

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“And if you’ve seen anything of Jens Berthel Askou’s Motherwell last season, how good he was perhaps wouldn’t surprise you. And for that reason, of course, Celtic and Rangers are interested in him.”

Celtic will be looking to strengthen this summer after their thrilling final-day title win, while Rangers could make Just a statement signing as they begin a new era following Danny Rohl’s departure.

Hearts boss Derek McInnes is primed to take over at Ibrox, after he guided the Edinburgh side to within minutes of ending the Old Firm’s stranglehold on the Scottish Premiership.

Where to next?

Danish coach Berthel Askou guided Motherwell to a top-four finish this term, but won’t be returning for a second year at Fir Park.

Just days after the season’s finale, the 43-year-old left the club to become head coach of Ligue 1 side Toulouse.

Brassell admitted Just could well decide to reunited with his old boss, while and believes his high-energy, marauding style of play could see him thrive at a higher level.

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He continued: “Berthel Askou – the Danish coach – having gone to Toulouse, might be interested in him as well.

“And I’m sure that wouldn’t surprise me, even though they’re not necessarily looking for that type of player at the moment.

“But that sort of creative freedom that he got given in that Motherwell system really came to the fore. 

“And it just made me think, seeing him play at a higher level, slightly less physical than the Scottish Premier League, this is maybe a guy who could even improve if he goes up a level.

“He’s already done that. Before he signed for Motherwell last summer, he was in the Austrian second division [at.

“So I think maybe he can go even further than we expect.”

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Elijah Just’s career so far

Just has proven he can adapt wherever he goes, taking no time at all to make his mark in Scotland after joining Motherwell last summer.

In his debut season, he was voted into the PFA Scotland team of the season and shortlisted for player of the year.

The playmaker arrived at The Well following a loan spell at Austrian second division side SKN St Polten, where he had been on loan from Danish side Horsens.

After starting his senior career at New Zealand top-flight outfit Eastern Suburbs, Just moved to Denmark to join Helsingør in 2019.

He spent three years with the club, starting out in the country’s third tier before winning promotion to the second division in his first year.

Just then spend two years at then Superliga side Horsens in 2022, before departing on loan to SKN St. Polten in Austria in the 2024/25 campaign, where he scored six times in 19 games.