FORMER Celtic goal hero Chris Sutton was quick to praise triumphant boss Brendan Rodgers and his players for winning a third successive title.
The champions made certain of their twelfth crown in 13 years as they romped to a 5-0 victory over shell-shocked Kilmarnock at Rugby Park last night.
The Hoops needed a solitary point to seal the club’s 54th flag in their glorious history, but they came out the blocks at a frightening pace to overcome their opponents with the game done and dusted before the interval.
Adam Idah, Daizen Maeda and James Forrest had placed the ball in the hosts’ net and the silky Matt O’Riley added a sublime double in the second period to settle for a five-goal winning margin with Derek McInnes’ players happy to hear the final whistle.
As the Ayrshire ground became a rhapsody in green, Sutton took to social media to add his congratulations.
The one-time England international goalscorer said: “Well played Brendan Rodgers and Celtic on yet another title. Special praise for Joe Hart, Matt O’Riley and the classy Callum McGregor and James Forrest. Serial winners who do their talking on the pitch.”
JUST CHAMPION…captain marvel Callum McGregor celebrates another title success.
JUST CHAMPION…Joe Hart leads the Celtic sing-song at Rugby Park.
JUST CHAMPION…James Forrest celebrates scoring No.3 with Adam Idah about to congratulate him.
JUST CHAMPION…high fives for Matt O’Riley from Luis Palma.
It was a fitting tribute from the media pundit who had been critical of his old team at stages in the season when their form dipped alarmingly.
Ironically, Rugby Park was the venue for their first loss of the campaign in December and that was followed the following weekend with a 2-0 capitulation to Hearts at Parkhead in front of a restless crowd.
However, Rodgers rallied his team and the outcome was the delivery of the crown last night with another title party to look forward to in the east end of Glasgow on Saturday when St Mirren provide the opposition as the curtain comes down on the league crusade.
Then the Celtic manager and his players can turn their attention to the Scottish Cup Final against Phlippe Clement’s Ibrox outfit at Hampden a week later.
It could be a memorable crescendo to another unforgettable campaign.
O’RILEY MASTERCLASS IN CHAMPS’ COMMAND PERFORMANCE
