Martin O’Neill praises Celtic goal hero Liam Scales after win over Kilmarnock
Martin O’Neill delighted to get vital win over Kilmarnock, as he praises goal hero Liam Scales as Celtic go into the international break four points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership…
Martin O’Neill yesterday spoke of his delight at his team overcoming a dogged Kilmarnock side in a game where the Champions, coming on the back of the hard fought victory over Besiktas, went through the motions in an underwhelming display at Celtic Park.
Celtic manager accepts his team far from their best against Kilmarnock
The Irishman accepted that his side were far from their best, but after a tough and gruelling battle with the Istanbul opponents on Thursday night, O’Neill was satisfied with the outcome and happy to get back to winning ways after failing to win the last two domestic fixtures against Dundee United and Falkirk.
Martin O’Neill also noted that his team created a number of good chances which we failed to convert, but also highlighted Sam Johnstone’s vital early double save that proved crucial in the final outcome as the Englishman got his first clean sheet as Celtic goalkeeper.
Martin O’Neill delighted to have won the game
Speaking to CelticPlayer after the game, the Celtic manager said: “I’m delighted to have won the game after Thursday night’s exertions.
“I thought that we were not at our very, very best today although, actually having said that, we created a number of good chances in the game and Sam Johnstone made a double save for us in the first 90 seconds of the game.”
And the manager praised match-winner Liam Scales for his goal and overall performance throughout the 90 minutes.
Wonderful Scales
“Scales has been absolutely wonderful,” the manager said. “I don’t know what he’s been like at the club before that – I’m sure he’s a really fine player – but in my year in the game he’s been sensational for us.
“He’s a centre-half, but sometimes I’m expecting him to play the ball like an inside forward or something like that, but overall he’s been really terrific.
“He’s come up with some big, big goals, but he’s also come up with big, big moments defensively for us during my time.”
Martin seems content with the win, and so he should as the three points is all that matters, but he knows fine well that his side need to drastically improve.
