Andy Halliday has expressed confidence in Elijah Just’s rising value following the New Zealand winger’s recent performance at the World Cup. Halliday, a former teammate, initially doubted Just’s ability to adapt to Scottish football when the player joined Motherwell last summer. However, after Just scored twice in New Zealand’s 2-2 draw with Iran, Halliday now believes the winger’s market worth could significantly increase.

Just, 26, has been a standout player for Motherwell in his debut season, securing the club’s Player of the Year award after netting seven goals in 39 appearances. His contract at Fir Park runs until next summer, with an option for an additional year. Both Celtic and Rangers have shown tentative interest in the player, whose performances have attracted attention beyond Scotland.

Motherwell’s new manager, Alfred Johansson, is reportedly eager to retain Just, a talent Halliday describes as one of the most exciting in the Scottish Premiership. Halliday suggested that Just’s transfer value could surpass the £4.7 million fee paid last summer for Lennon Miller’s move to Udinese. He attributed Just’s success to his quick thinking on the pitch, allowing him to excel despite initial doubts about his suitability for the league.

“When I first saw him, I thought, ‘He’s going to get eaten alive in Scottish football,’” Halliday said. “But when your brain is faster than anybody else on the pitch, you can make football look easy.” He added that before the World Cup, he did not anticipate Just’s fee reaching the level of Miller’s transfer; however, Just’s two goals in the tournament’s opening match have raised expectations.

As Just continues to impress on both club and international stages, his role in Motherwell’s strategy and potential transfer prospects will be closely monitored in the coming months.