JAI Quitongo says his strike against Queen of the South was a stunner — but reckons he has scored better goals in the past.

Quitongo bagged an incredible winner against the Doonhamers at Palmerston Park on Saturday afternoon, cutting inside from the left-flank and unleashing a thunderous effort that cannoned into the back of the net off the underside of the crossbar.

But the 20-year-old believes his goal last season against Hamilton in the Betfred Cup group stages was a better strike than his sublime drive in Dumfries.

He said: “I think I would probably say my goal against Hamilton last season was a wee bit better than my goal against Queen of the South. 

“But a goal is a goal, though, and hopefully I can keep playing, scoring and assisting. That’s all I’m caring about at the moment.

“I’ve been practising cutting inside from the wing and trying to whip it. Sometimes it turns into crosses, other times it’s shots and it’s just gone in. I’ve hit it as sweet as a nut, so I couldn’t be happier.”

Quitongo was also on hand to set-up Ross Forbes for the midfielder’s first league goal of the new campaign after a darting run down the wing that left defender Callum Fordyce in the dust. And Jai was pleased to be able to provide for his team-mate.

He said: “For the first goal I’ve just made a good run with the ball and cut it back and Forbesy has shown really good composure to stick it in the net. 

“Then the second goal was a bit of a fluke!”

Ton boss Jim Duffy heaped praise on both Quitongo and goalkeeper Derek Gaston in his post-match comments and the striker echoed his gaffer’s sentiments about Gaston, saying: “Gats is an unsung hero. He’s made two fantastic saves that should have went in, but he’s been there. 

“Hats off to him and the defence because I thought they defended well under a lot of pressure.”

The young striker has become known for his wild celebrations following his goals - even whipping off his shirt against Dunfermline last weekend to show off his muscles to wind up team-mates. 

Saturday’s jubilant reaction to his winning wonder-strike was even more unique.

Modelling his strut after UFC superstar Conor McGregor, Quitongo joked: “I like to mix my celebrations up a wee bit. 

“My mum and dad have been giving me a wee bit of stick about the back-flip saying I need to change it so I thought I would mix it up. 

“I call it the Conor McGregor walk!”