Celtic manager Gordon Strachan admits he has been surprised by the emergence of young striker Cillian Sheridan who has taken advantage of the Hoops' injury crisis to force his way in to the headlines.
The 19-year-old Cavan man was fast-forwarded into action after experienced strikers Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, Georgios Samaras and Chris Killen were all sidelined with injuries.
Sheridan bagged his second and third goals of the season against Kilmarnock in a 3-0 win at Parkhead last night - the other coming from Shunsuke Nakamura - as the champions stretched their lead over Rangers at the top of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League to four points after the Ibrox men were held to a goalless draw at Motherwell.
Strachan had previously remained cool about Sheridan, citing his lack of match action due to injury problems, but the Celtic boss took another step towards being convinced that the youngster will have a part to play in this campaign even when all the strikers are back fit.
He said: ‘I couldn't have asked for any more, it was a terrific performance.
‘When he came here to Celtic, he was raw but there was something about him.
‘We've realised that he is an intelligent lad and he takes things in.
‘The problem is he has played so little football over the last year and a half through injury, we thought we might be putting him in too early but it has worked out all right.’
Despite their injury problems in recent weeks, the champions have won nine SPL games in a row since losing at home to Rangers at the end of August.
However, Strachan will not rest on his laurels over the healthy gap his side have opened up on their rivals.
‘It would matter if it was there was only one game left,’ he said.
‘As we all know, form and results can change dramatically.
‘We've won nine SPL games in a row and in that time we have had to play Champions League games and Co-operative Insurance Cup games and have had to deal with that.
‘So the players can be pleased with themselves.
‘I was pleased with their attitude against Kilmarnock, the stadium was not buzzing and we had to get the crowd on our side.
‘There was good enthusiasm although we wasted too many chances which was the only disappointment.
‘You are always nervous when it is only 1-0 but once we got the second I knew we were okay.’
Killie boss Jim Jefferies admitted he was looking forward to the visit of Dundee United to Rugby Park on Saturday when he picked his side to take on the champions.
He said: ‘Mehdi Taouil was only taken off with Saturday in mind and I rested David Fernandez.
‘Garry Hay has just come back from injury and I thought about giving him 20 minutes but I didn't.
‘So you will see a different team on Saturday
‘As I said before the game, my priorities lie in the next seven games, four of which are at home.’
