Watch: Luis Palma’s Brace in Marquee Honduras Win Over Mexico

Celtic winger Luis Palma scored both goals as Honduras beat Mexico 2-0 in the first leg of their CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final overnight.

Introduced with half an hour to go, the winger netted the opener with a smart finish from close range before leading a counterattack in the last 10 minutes and arrowing the ball into the bottom corner to secure the victory.

Despite only playing 77 minutes of Football for Celtic since the last international break, Palma was surprisingly called up to play for his nation this month.

Boss Reinaldo Rueda will be thankful he reintroduced the 24-year-old to his squad because, against Mexico, Palma single-handedly pulled Honduras to victory.

His first goal came moments after he was brought off the bench, Palma netting a rebound with his first touch of the ball:

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Honduras’s lead in the quarter-final was unexpected. Although they were at home, FIFA ranks them 77th in the world, compared to Mexico, who are 16th.

The hosts were holding out in the closing stages, but Palma gave them some breathing space, smartly striking the ball into the far corner, sparking jubilant scenes:

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Palma’s second could be crucial as Honduras makes the short trip to Mexico for the return leg in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Perhaps the winger will be in prime position for a start now after his man-of-the-match performance from the bench last night, which undoubtedly will have caught the eye of Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers.