Brendan Rodgers feels Celtic are coming alive at the right time after an impressive second-half display against St Mirren gave them a 3-0 win which sends them four points clear in the cinch Premiership. (More Football News)
The champions struggled to create chances in a ponderous first-half display which saw St Mirren create the better openings.
But Celtic upped their intensity at the start of the second half and Reo Hatate produced a classy finish with the outside of his boot in the 52nd minute.
Kyogo Furuhashi and substitute Adam Idah both headed home to complete a 3-0 victory which keeps the destiny of the title in their hands as well as Rangers, who are due to play twice before the split.
Rodgers, whose team face Aberdeen in the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup semi-finals next weekend, said: 바카라I really look forward to this period, this is when Celtic comes alive. Five games to go, trophies at stake, Scottish Cup at stake, so bring it on.바카라
Rodgers, whose side led for the vast majority of last weekend바카라s 3-3 draw with Rangers, added: 바카라We바카라re in a really good position and when you know that everything is with you 바카라 and you decide what your destiny is.
바카라That바카라s why the result at Ibrox was huge for us, as well as the performance. We played really well last week and when we had to bite down on the gum-shield, we were tough and (have) seen it through in a difficult environment.
바카라That bodes well for us. We know we can play football, play with speed, and we can score goals. We바카라ve also shown a steeliness which will be important in the run-in.바카라
Although Celtic have lost Daizen Maeda to a hamstring problem, the return to fitness of Hatate and Callum McGregor has been a major boost.
On Hatate, Rodgers said: 바카라We are trying to build him up and he was outstanding at Ibrox. When he went off, we lost a wee bit in midfield.
바카라But he바카라s had a really good week바카라s training and he got his goal, which will be great for his confidence. He바카라s a huge player for us.
바카라Reo had come back a few times and broke down while away with the Japanese squad. He was devastated at that.
바카라We have to be careful with all the players. We have to manage him and Callum, who was more like himself and had a fantastic cameo .
바카라But with Reo, or any top player, you try to have the right plan for him which allows him to peak at the right time.바카라
On Maeda, Rodgers said: 바카라I바카라m not sure Daizen will feature too much, it바카라s such a small window now. I바카라m not sure if he will feature before the end of the season.바카라
St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson bemoaned the injuries which disrupted his side바카라s positive first-half display. Elvis Bwomono went off following a head knock midway through the opening half and others would soon follow.
바카라We were excellent for 45 minutes and then we can get undone by two excellent goals,바카라 Robinson said.
바카라Kyogo바카라s movement for the second goal was fantastic and the delivery as well. And the first goal was a super finish. That바카라s the difference in levels. The first one wasn바카라t a clear opportunity but they made the best of it.
바카라The two injuries before and at half-time stopped a bit of our momentum. It takes players time to get into the rhythm and the shape. Scott Tanser and Elvis going off seemed to stop our rhythm and then Greg Kiltie and Richard Taylor have to come off too.
바카라We maybe had five enforced changes that we didn바카라t want to have to make. Sometimes Lady Luck isn바카라t shining on you.
바카라Credit to Celtic for the quality they showed when they needed to. That바카라s the difference in levels.바카라
