After a marathon fixture list through December the Celtic players had plenty to celebrate as they enjoyed a 2-1 win to take their SPFL points tally to 58 points out of a possible 60.
It has been a tough demanding month but with a 19 point lead over Sevco, or 18 if Aberdeen win their game in hand, the title looks destined for Celtic Park with only the date and venue for confirmation to be decided.
This time next week the players will be in Dubai, some are probably on their way over there on holiday right now, but it took a gruelling 90 minutes in an Ibrox storm to secure the 19 point lead.
Throughout the season to date there has been a great focus and determination from the players, they know the expectations and have survived and surpassed every challenge.
Domestically they’ve been behind three times this season, at Inverness, Motherwell and at Ibrox but in every match they’ve responded to that challenge and came out as winners.
When the season resumes it’ll be against Albion Rovers in the Scottish Cup as a new trophy emerges with five wins needed to deliver the treble.
Should they overcome the odds and add the Scottish Cup to the SPFL title and BetFred League Cup then the celebrations at Hampden will be very special.
HAPPY FACES
It’s all smiles at the final whistle as the players pick out some faces in the crowd.
Scandinavians aren’t generally too emotional but Mikael Lustig knows what it means to the Celtic fans to see their side winning at Ibrox.
Lustig had a tough match up against Barrie McKay but generally held his ground and can now try to negotiate a new contract to go alongside his next SPFL winners medal.
JOY FOR THE SUBSTITUTE
He doesn’t really seem too miffed at being left on the bench!
Leigh Griffiths didn’t rant and rave or throw his toys out the pram when he was left out of the side for Moussa Dembele.
The former Hibs striker played his part, has kept Dembele sharp and when the SPFL hand out their medals Griffiths will have played a huge part as he collects his fourth league winners medal.
BROONY JOINS IN
Recently I heard someone talking about Celtic’s goal celebrations.
While many English clubs indulge in pre-arranged goal celebrations it’s all a bit off the cuff as far as Celtic are concerned- and is all geared towards the fans rather than television cameras.
Almost the whole team wants to congratulate Sinclair with Brown arriving later on the scene to witness it with the fans and share the unique joy of going ahead at Ibrox.
SINCLAIR SEALS IT
Leigh Griffiths and Nir Bitton had a perfect view of the winning goal as Stuart Armstrong’s delivery was met perfectly by Scott Sinclair.
As soon as the ball hit the net Griffiths caught Sinclair before he raced into the joy of the Broomloan Road stand.
After 25 minutes of domination it looked like Sevco might manage to escape with a point- as he’s shown from day one at Celtic Sinclair is at the club to put the ball in the net and be a winner.
THE EQUALISER
This picture sums up the mood of the day perfectly- the despair of the home support contrasted to the elation of the goalscorer and his team-mates.
It was an awesome strike from Dembele- even Sasa Papac would have thought twice about putting his head in the way of Moussa’s missile.
That moment changed the game, Sevco had nothing to protect, Celtic had endured a painful 30 minutes but with the scores level there was only going to be one winner- and don’t they know it!
JOY FOR BROONY
They make them tough through in Fife. The coal mines are history but Scott Brown is as tough as old boots.
The Celtic skipper put in an other inspiring performance, commanding the ball, making things happen and taking no nonsense from anyone, team mate or opponents.
He’s won more than a few matches at Ibrox but it’s clear to see that the ambitions haven’t been blunted and putting one over on the natives brings as much if not more pleasure than ever.
PIGGY BACK
Having sampled the atmosphere of the Edinburgh derby as a fan Leigh Griffiths knows what it means to see your team triumph on enemy territory.
With his recent scoring record he can consider himself very unlucky not to have started the match but there’s no argument against Moussa Dembele when it comes to facing the tribute act.
Some players take the huff when they are overlooked but when the final whistle blew Griffiths couldn’t hold back as he joined his team-mates on the park to soak up the celebrations.
NICE ONE PADDY
The on loan Manchester City kid had a key role to play in Celtic’s success.
Within minutes of coming onto the park he delivered one of his trademark reverse passes which Stuart Armstrong anticipated perfectly, when he whipped the ball across goal Scott Sinclair knew what was coming next.
Roberts has real class and a unique ability but faces a dilemma. Unless he signs for a club he may not get the game time and platform he needs- James Forrest will be at Celtic next season and is Brendan Rodgers’ priority.