SPL Wednesday December 4th

Hibernian 0

Celtic 1

0:1 Petrov (76)

Att: 12,042

MIB: Mike McCurry

Celtic: Douglas Valgaeren, Balde, Crainey; Sylla, Lennon, Lambert, Petrov, Thompson; Fernandez, Hartson

No Larsson, no Sutton and a match to forget. This was an ideal opportunity for Hartson to stake a regular place up front and for Fernandez to get a more regular start. Neither had a great night, though Fernandez was solid, if somewhat unspectacular.

Celtic flattered to deceive early doors, as a physical Hibs side buzzed around, flailing feet at anything in a Celtic shirt, with Mc Manus proving to be a right pain in the posterior.

The Sieve, well marshalled by Bobo and relying heavily on the improving Laursen, managed to hold their ground, though Hibs did squander a number of good chances. Celtic's answer to the pressure was to play a long ball game, which eventually delivered the goods, courtesy of Petrov, after 77 minutes of enforced agony.

The midfield had, up until that point, looked dry and turgid, and the introduction of Mc Namara for a disappointing Sylla was needed to settle Celtic for the last 15 minutes. In retrospect, this turned out to be a bit of an OFM tactical masterstroke, as it added balance and bite to the side. The inclusion of Mc Namara might just be the tonic for some of our woes on the UEFA nights.

Anyhow, three more points and, as you know, the form of champions is to play pish and still win