It was a night Dane Murray is unlikely to forget. Just hours after signing a new contract with Celtic, the 22-year-old defender marked the occasion by scoring his first senior goal in the 4-1 Premier Sports Cup victory over Falkirk at Celtic Park.

Lining up alongside Auston Trusty in the centre of defence, Murray looked composed from the start. He handled Falkirk’s physical presence well, winning his aerial duels and staying switched on to cut out danger before it developed.

On the ball, he kept things simple, helping Celtic maintain control and build attacks from the back.

The highlight came just after the hour mark. Arne Engels whipped in a dangerous corner from the right and Murray timed his leap perfectly, rising above his marker to power a header past Scott Bain into the bottom corner. It was a moment that not only sealed Celtic’s dominance but also showcased his strength in the air and his ability to make an impact in the opposition box.

For a player who has had to be patient for his opportunities, this was a performance full of encouragement. The combination of a new long-term deal and a first goal in front of the home crowd could be the spark that pushes him further into the first-team picture.

With Celtic now turning their attention to Wednesday night’s Champions League play-off first leg against Kairat Almaty, Murray’s display will be fresh in the minds of supporters, and it might just be the start of a bigger role for him in the season ahead.