The first stage of the 2017/18 season has undoubtedly been hughely successful for Celtic with the events of the last ten days emphasising that point.
Aberdeen may be sharing top spot at the moment but with the Dons out of Europe and the League Cup their current position is probably more relevant to the battle for second spot than a title bid.
Celtic wise it has gone as good as could as anyone could have hoped for. Sure there has been two draws in the SPFL but it’s no coincidence that they both came on the back of successful European away matches.
Crucially the group stage of the Champions League has been reached and rather than indulge in back slapping the team is making progress in that critical arena.
A home win over Anderlecht in December will guarantee European football after Christmas, for the super optimist the head-to-head matches with Bayern Munich could open up even greater possibilities.
While there has been concerns over the lack of striking and central defensive options these situations have improved with unlikely injury runs in those positions clearing up.
To last season’s squad Tony Ralston, Olivier Ntcham, Jonny Hayes and Odsonne Eduord have been added with Kristoffer Ajer also getting a look in at the top team.
October promises to be demanding month shaped around the Bayern Munich ties and a Hampden date with Hibs, to retain the momentum and build on the results so far three players above all others are required to be in top form.
SCOTT BROWN
He hasn’t always been on top of his game but in the biggest matches he has made his impact felt.
At Ibrox he was in complete control, Sevco players are genuinely scared to go close to him as their cowardly manager virtually admitted to.
His influence was badly missed at home to Hibs with every Celtic fan hoping for good news and a fully fit skipper leading the team out in Munich.
JOZO SIMUNOVIC
His new contract was probably one of the most significant deals of the season following regular speculation that he was on his way out the club.
There still appears to be some fitness concerns but he survived the plastic pitch at Hamilton without mishap which is encouraging.
Away to Anderlecht he demonstrated that there is more to his game than sending Kenny Miller into orbit.
LEIGH GRIFFITHS
He’s had his scrapes with the authorities involving scarves, goalposts and bottles of Buckfast.
Those incidents must rile Brendan Rodgers but on the park around goal he is worth his weight in gold.
At home to Astana he terrified the visitors to the extend that the roof fell in, away to Anderlecht he scored the priceless opener and demonstrated that Celtic have more attacking options than Moussa Dembele.