Craig Moore admits Ange Postecoglou had Celtic fans lapping up his comments after lifting the league title, but reckons the Parkhead boss is still irked by Michael Beale's "lucky" remark earlier in the season.
The Celtic boss referenced Beale's comment as he addressed the Parkhead crowd after victory over Aberdeen on the final day of the season.
Postecoglou said: "Champions, again. We are champions again because of this incredible group of players brilliantly led by our skipper Callum McGregor, champions again because of this unbelievable group of people behind the scenes, outstanding.
"Champions again because of you (the fans). In the words of the immortal Tommy Burns, 'you are always there, always.' Champions again because I am a lucky man And we have one more to go. We never stop."
Postecoglou's "lucky man" dig was aimed at Beale after the Rangers manager used the same term in relation to the transfer funds at the Aussie's disposal.
And while Beale has previously insisted the remark was not intended to be disrespectful or malicious, Moore reckons it might have gotten 'under the skin' of Postecoglou.
Quizzed on Postecoglou's barb over the "lucky" comment, Moore told the Go Radio Football Show: "He knew the messages he wanted to get across in that speech at the end. He had everyone eating out of his hands. He really did.
"He is in a situation where in such a short space of time, the success he has brought to the football club, the players, playing style and most importantly to the supporters trophies, and he's in a position now where he can finish the season with a Treble. Billy Dodds and Inverness will have their say but you have to think that Celtic will be too strong.
"It must have got under his skin a little bit because it is not the first time he's brought it up. For me, I think that Michael Beale didn't mean any harm in his use of the word at the time.
"Maybe, getting caught sometimes you go down rabbit holes and say a little bit too much but I don't think there was malice in his comments, but Ange has played on it. He has used it for inspiration, motivation and even for a little bit of a point in the speech at the end of the season, didn't he?"
