ST MIRREN have the rare distinction of being the last team to inflict a domestic defeat on Celtic at Parkhead.
The Paisley side achieved the feat on January 30 2021 at a Covid-enforced deserted stadium when they piled the misery on the struggling champions as the bid for a historic tenth successive title bid collapsed amid the rubble of a wretched campaign.
Within a month – and just 48 hours after a dismal 1-0 loss against Ross County in Dingwall – manager Neil Lennon had departed the club.
BAWL BHOY…frustrated Celtic boss Neil Lennon yells encouragement to his players as they head for defeat against St Mirren in January 2021.
It was all-change the following summer with Ange Postecoglou being named as the Irishman’s long-term replacement while players such as Odsonne Edouard, Kristoffer Ajer and Ryan Christie moved across the border.
Nir Bitton, Ismaila Soro, Albian Ajeti, Tom Rogic and Leigh Griffiths have also left the Hoops since that defeat from the Saints.
Loan players Shane Duffy and Mohamed Elyounoussi were returned to their parent clubs, Brighton and Southampton respectively, following the arrival of Postecoglou.
There are only six survivors from the 16 players who were on the field that miserable afternoon – skipper Callum McGregor, goalkeeper Scott Bain, defenders Greg Taylor and Stephen Welsh, midfielder David Turnbull and winger Mikey Johnston.
MOMENT OF HOPE…goalcorer Odsonne Edouard is congratulated by Ryan Christie.
Coincidentally, five were involved in the goalless weekend draw against Hibs at Easter Road.
McGregor and Taylor started in Edinburgh while Turnbull and Johnston came on. Back-up shotstopper Bain remained on the substitutes’ bench. Welsh is currently injured.
FOR THE RECORD: The Celtic team that lost 2-1 to St Mirren on January 30 2021 was: Bain; Ajer, Bitton (sub: Welsh 46), Duffy, Taylor; Soro (sub: Christie 62), Turnbull (sub: Johnston 81), McGregor, Elyounoussi (sub: Ajeti 62); Edouard, Griffiths (sub: Rogic 46).
The visitors went ahead in the 18th minute through Kristian Dennis, Edouard equalised shortly after the half-hour mark, but Ilkay Durmus got what turned out to be the winner eight minutes from the interval.
* DON’T miss the unbeatable match report from Celtic v St Mirren this evening – only in your champion CQN.
