Martin O'Neill has named as many as six players he was impressed by during Celtic's 7-1 thrashing of Hearts on Sunday afternoon.
The Bhoys bounced back from their defeat to Benfica in style, making easy work of a Hearts side that were hoping to drag themselves back into title contention. But the Hoops proved there is too big a chasm between the two sides for another close title race between them this season, scoring as many as seven.
Along with an own goal, Benjamin Nygren and Callum Osmand both scored braces, while Kieran Tierney and Camilo Duran were also on target.
It was an important win for Celtic, who have folded far too easily against decent teams this season, especialluy in Europe, and while Hearts were awful defensively, it was nice to see Celtic keep their foot on the gas and bag themselves some confidence.
“I’m absolutely delighted for us to beat Hearts in the manner that we did," O'Neill told club media.
“It’s gives us great confidence to try and, initially, carry that into Thursday evening, and secondly, try and continue that between now and the new year.
“We had some difficult moments that we were able to get ourselves out of, and maybe on another day we might not have been able to do that, but overall, the attacking play was terrific and I’m really pleased.”
Speaking about the players who impressed him on a memorable day at Parkhead, O'Neill added: "The most pleasing aspect is that the goals were shared, and the work-rate particularly.
“Callum Osmand did really great in the game and he scored the goals. He is definitely a goalscorer, and while wide left might not be his position, he did exceptionally well for us and, overall, his instinct for the goal which Camilo (Duran) made is just terrific, and that’s something you’re just born with.
“Mika Baur is doing really well for us, while I thought KT (Kieran Tierney) was brilliant, and Colby (Donovan) and big Dane (Murray) were really great. I’m not saying Scales wasn’t but my expectations of him are so high anyway that he can do without the praise today! But, overall, I was really pleased.”
Celtic now turn their attention back to Europe, facing Celta Vigo at home on Thursday night, and they know it is a game they are realistically going to have to win to keep their chances of progressing to the next round alive. Defeat on Thursday night would leave them needing 9-10 points from five games, which include a date with Marseille.
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