Just when you think Celtic might be stymied, stifled and kept at least within reach of a lucky slugger’s punch … well, we all know what usually happens. Ask the St Mirren players who so effectively restrained and contained their hosts for so much of Saturday night’s Scottish Cup clash – yet still ended up being pummelled by Ange Postecoglou’s hardened winners.
True, the strength of Celtic’s bench was a significant factor in the Hoops eventually leaving the visitors trailing. The fact that four of their goals came from substitutes tells its own story.
As much as switching personnel gave the reigning champions different options, however, this was a victory built not on change – but on continuity. With Postecoglou, there is Plan A. And then there is Plan A-plus. Anyone who doesn’t fully commit to that has long since been cleared out. Leaving only true believers willing to put their entire faith in Ange-ball. That confidence was further rewarded, despite the odd struggle, with progress to the last eight of the Scottish Cup.
