Source: PA
Lennon thrilled by late victory
Neil Lennon described his Celtic players as "brilliant" after Gary Hooper's dramatic injury-time winner against St Mirren took them back to within a point of Clydesdale Bank Premier League leaders Rangers.
The game at New St Mirren Park came alive in the second half but looked to be heading for a draw until the former Scunthorpe striker pounced with seconds remaining of three added minutes to grab his 10th goal since signing from Scunthorpe in the summer.
The winner sparked wild scenes of celebration among the travelling support which owed much to relief but the Celtic boss insisted his side deserved their win and had special praise for skipper Shaun Maloney and midfielder Ki Sung-yueng.
"We were brilliant," he said. "Absolutely brilliant. I wasn't even ranting and raving at half-time.
"I thought that we could have done a little bit better in the final third but I wouldn't have disappointed to draw the game.
"You could have held your hands up and said it might not have been our day today but the fact we were creating good chances and they still believed they could win the game. So their attitude and application was tremendous and I thought we got what we deserved."
