CELTIC manager Gordon Strachan praised his players for their part in an entertaining encounter against Hibs at Parkhead – then claimed only the three points mattered.
The Clydesdale Bank Premier League champions struggled at times to contain an enthusiastic visiting side but goals by skipper Stephen McManus and Scott McDonald, his 31st of the season, handed the Hoops a 2-0 win and re-established their four-point
lead over Rangers at the top of the table.
Strachan's men, who have one SPL game left against Dundee United at Tannadice, put the pressure back on their Light Blue rivals, although Rangers have three games remaining.
The Celtic boss stressed that while his side always try and play good football, he is well aware only victories matter at Celtic Park.
"It was a good game and a fitting finish to the season at Parkhead," Strachan said.
"It was end to end and, at one point, it was like basketball.
"So I think everyone got their money's worth although obviously we are more satisfied than Hibs. But, trust me, it's all about the result.
"I've heard some rubbish since I've come here about people wanting to see stylish football and all the rest of it but everybody wants to watch winning football.
"We will try and perform at the same time as you've seen against Hibs but trust me, if we had performed like that and got beaten, there would have been all hell to pay."
While Celtic have to wait 11 days before the trip to Tannadice, rivals Rangers play Zenit St Petersburg in the UEFA Cup final on Wednesday before finishing off their league campaign.
Strachan said: "I wish Rangers all the best (against Zenit). It's all I can do.
"Walter (Smith), his coaching staff and players have had an incredible amount of work to do in that tournament and it has to be admired.
"We have 11 days to wait before our last game but we just get on with it."
The full article contains 336 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
