Claudio couldn't celebrate his Celtic Park stunner for fear it would be chopped off but now he won't take his foot off the gas in race for the title after five-game goal drought

CLAUDIO BRAGA admits he didn't properly celebrate one of the biggest goals of his career for fear of being flagged.

- BY CRAIG SWAN

The Hearts striker picked a perfect time to end a five-game scoring drought with the opener in Sunday's cherished 2-1 win away to Celtic.

For Braga, as well as being key for the Jambos, it was a magical moment on a personal level.

The Portuguese frontman confesses the venue in Glasgow's east end was the biggest he had ever played in and to return along the M8 with a vital strike just topped it all off.

But having kept play alive and then foraged ahead of Hoops skipper Callum McGregor to wriggle free and shoot beyond Kasper Schmeichel, Braga had to keep his elation in check as he was worried about being called for offside.

The hitman was not aware Arne Engels was out of sight playing him on as he helped keep the ball in Celtic’s box prior to netting. Braga said: “I thought I was offside at first, then I didn't know. I just tried not to give up on the ball. If I didn't, it would go to Schmeichel.

“I just tried not to give up and then see what the referee would say when I scored. I didn't really celebrate while we waited.

“I looked at the bench straight away and the players there were telling me it was onside.

“They always have the camera, so I just tried to check in with them. It was a good moment.