Ciftci the best as Celtic win in Perth​

Celtic continued to provide the perfect remedy to avoiding the dreaded European hangover, helped on their way to a 3-0 victory at St Johnstone by a double from Turkish striker, Nadir Ciftci, who has been on the receiving end of plenty of criticism following his Summer switch to Glasgow

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Though it was the Saints who looks the more likely early on, with in-form Michael O'Halloran racing in behind the defence within the first two minutes, only to be denied by a fine stop from Craig Gordon, who will have been keen to make amends following his blunder on Thursday night.

With the Champions starting slowly, it was the hosts who threatened again, as Shaughnessy got his head on the end of a corner, only to nod it harmlessly into the turf, and the hands of the Celtic 'keeper.
Murray Davidson was also thwarted by Gordon from an almost identical situation to O'Halloran as St Johnstone really pushed for a fast start.

With Leigh Griffiths ruled out again, Ciftci was given another opportunity to stake a claim for a starting berth, though he did himself no favours when he fired his shot straight at Alan Mannus after finding himself free in the box.
Though it didn't take him too long to find another chance, this time the ball found it's way to the former Dundee United striker from a corner kick, with an instinctive touch and finish finding it's way into the net.

There was controversy before the end of the half, with O'Halloran again racing clear of the defence, having hurdled a reckless challenge from Jozo Simunovic who again showed a worrying knack of throwing himself into challenges when it might be better advised to stay on his feet.

Celtic doubled their advantage shortly after half-time, with Dedryck Boyata rising highest to fire a fine headed effort past Mannus to give his side real control of the match in Perth.

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With Celtic begining to grow in confidence, and Aussie Tom Rogic starting to pull the strings, a third goal was looking increasingly likely. It would come from a lovely move down the right, as Rogic took the ball on the half-turn and slid it wide to Lustig, whose floated delivery was headed home by Ciftci to secure the three points which puts Celtic four points ahead of 2nd place Aberdeen with a game in hand.

With no more European matches this year, Ronny Deila can focus solely on chasing the treble, and preparing his squad for the Champions League qualifiers next term. The Norwegian will be hoping Boyata and Simunovic can continue to develop their partnership at the centre of defence, and a familiar back line will be a huge advantage next summer.
Deila has 6/7 months and two transfer windows to make sure he can lead Celtic to the Champions League, as a third season of failure to reach the group stage is not an option.