MARTIN O’NEILL watched his Celtic players walk a title tightrope at Pittodrie last night.
And the 74-year-old interim manager then hailed “a big, big win” after substitute Benjamin Nygren clipped in the points-clincher in the 67th minute with his 15th Premiership strike of his debut Hoops campaign.
Kieran Tierney had put the champions on the road to victory with a fifth-minute effort, but a battling Aberdeen team nullified that before half-time after Kevin Nisbet drilled a soft penalty-kick award past the helpless Viljami Sinisalo.
And the Finnish international keeper denied the same player early in the second-half with a spectacular tipover from a sizzling netbound header.
APPLAUSE FOR THE WINNER…Martin O’Neill shows his gratitude as Benjamin Nygren takes the salure after his second-half points-clincher at Pittodrie.
Afterwards, O’Neill took the opportunity to draw breath before offering his observations on a tense tussle.
The Irishman said: “We got off to a great start, scoring very early on, and that was great. I felt as if we didn’t really go and push on, maybe try get a second goal.
“They get back into with the penalty and then we had to score a really good goal from our view point.
“Then had to survive to see if it was onside or offside, but it was a big win for us. A big, big win.
“In terms of confidence building, and all that type of stuff, it is great.”
O’Neill, speaking to Celtic TV, continued: “That’s what you’re hoping for. You are hoping that players can come off the bench and make an impact.
“Remember, this was our third game in six days. So, that’s every two days we’re playing matches essentially.
“And that can take its toll. So, we have had to use the substitutes in positive ways.
THE OLD ONE-TWO…Kieran Tierney slams Celtic into the lead against Aberdeen and (below) Benjamin Nygren directs the winner past keeper Dimitar Mitov to clinch the points.
“All of them have come on in recent times and made big, big impacts, which is great.
“Sometimes it doesn’t work like that. Sometimes somebody comes on and doesn’t get into the game.
“But it’s nice to know that we think we can make some changes and maybe something might happen from it.”
O’Neill smiled and added: “I’m obviously delighted.
“There is a great spirit amongst the players and I don’t think that should be denied in any aspects because sometimes that is what is keeping us going.”
The focus now switches to the Scottish Cup with the Hoops due to face Danny Rohl’s side at Ibrox on Sunday.
The following weekend sees the champion play their first game at Parkhead in five outings with rejuvenated Motherwell the visitors.
LOOKING FOR A PERFECT GIFT FOR ST.PATRICK’S DAY? Celtic Confidential is the stunning new book that brings the exclusive inside stories behind the headlines. Alex Gordon’s sixteenth Celtic book is available NOW. Order a copy and get £5 OFF the cover price of £25. All is revealed in a sensational new publication. Just click SHOP HERE and your book will be on its way. Happy St Patrick’s Day!
