IRISH eyes were smiling on St Patrick’s Day at Dens Park when Celtic staged a dramatic stoppage-time triumph against a determined Dundee side desperately battling for Premiership survival.
It was never going to be pretty on Tayside in the circumstances and interim manager Neil Lennon and his players knew full well they would have to dig deep as they chased the triumph that would stretch their lead at the top of the table to a massive 10 points.
However, as the minutes ticked by at an inexorable rate, it looked as though the best the seven-in-a-row title kings were going to manage was a goalless draw, their second scorless stalemate in a week after the confrontation against Aberdeen at Parkhead.
As the game moved into the sixth minute of added-on time, the champions struck when Scott Brown intercepted a pass out of the Dundee defence, slid a pass to Odsonne Edouard who in turn knocked it onto the ever-willing James Forrest. The winger moved at pace to the by-line and sent an inviting pass into the tracks of the Frenchman who rifled a drive into the net for the winner.
Three points were heading for Paradise with Lennon’s men getting the reward for refusing to surrender.
CQN’s snappers supreme were there to capture the antics of the Irishman in the Dens Park dug-out. Here is the pick of the pics.
BAWL BHOY…Neil Lennon encourages the Celtic players from the Dens Park touchline.
BALL BHOY…Neil Lennon gets the ball back into play as the Hoops search for the winner.
THREE ON THE TAYSIDE TOUCHLINE…Neil Lennon, his assistant manager John Kennedy and the fourth official John Beaton who agreed to the six added-on minutes.
Mr CALM AND COMPOSED…Neil Lennon collects his thoughts on the touchline.
THREE WISE MEN…or a trio 0f relieved Bhoys? Neil Lennon, John Kennedy and first team coach Damien Duff celebrate at the winner.
OUT OF FOCUS…and in the picture. Neil Lennon races off to celebrate with the visiting supporters following Odsonne Edouard’s dramatic strike.
ALTOGETHER NOW…Neil Lennon conducts the delighted Celtic choir as the champions edge closer to their eighth successive crown.
