O’Neill’s five-word message to incoming Celtic manager speaks volumes

Celtic can “do much better” was the full-time message after a smash and grab at St Mirren.

And in truth, it is a hard assessment to argue with after another below-par display from the high standards the champions have set over the years.

It took a wonder strike after 94 minutes for the Hoops to escape Paisley with all three points, when a share of the spoils would have been a fair result that no one could argue.

From a Celtic point of view, they will be hoping that after so much unrest off the park in recent months — including the recent AGM drama — that the result can be that spark on it and get everyone, as McGregor stated, “united”.

It looked like Hearts would end the night with a six-point advantage and the chance to make it nine when they travel to Aberdeen on Sunday afternoon — but the gap now stands at four after the late, late show under the lights.

Was it a vintage display? Not at all.

But at the end of the day, grinding out victories from nowhere is a real mark of champions, and who knows how vital a result it could prove down the line.

More gears required

One thing for sure is that the performance levels will need to go up multiple gears to claim a Europa League result on the road at Feyenoord midweek.

Interim boss Martin O’Neill knows Celtic can play better and create much more, but insists there is one thing the dressing room isn’t lacking.

He told Sky Sports: “Overall I thought we didn’t create enough. Callum [McGregor] comes up with an absolute wonder goal.

“St Mirren played exactly like we thought they would. Delighted we’ve won but we can do much better.

“You’ve got to take care of the ball, we didn’t do that for most of the match. We went to the very end of the game, that was great in that sense.

“One thing we don’t lack is unity within the dressing room. We won in the end when a draw was perhaps the fair result.”

Skipper McGregor added: “We just keep going, keep going, keep going.

“St Mirren make it really difficult for you. The boys are working so hard. I’m so glad we got the reward we wanted.

“I’ve made a habit of [good goals] in the past couple of years, long may it continue. Hopefully that can galvanise everybody, the players and supporters.”

The showdown in Paisley was a dress-rehearsal for the Premier Sports Cup Final next month.

The duo will go head-to-head at Hampden Park with the first domestic piece of silverware up for grabs.

By then, Celtic should have a new permanent manager in place.