KIERAN Tierney claims Celtic showed the resilient side to their game as they beat Hibernian 1-0 at Parkhead yesterday.
The previous two Ladbrokes Premiership clashes between the sides this season had both ended 2-2, albeit Celtic had triumphed 4-2 in their Betfred Cup semi-final encounter at Hampden Park.
There were obstacles to overcome for the league leaders as striker Leigh Griffiths went off with a recurrence of a calf problem in the first half after scoring what turned out to be the winner.
Keeper Craig Gordon had to be replaced by Dorus de Vries for the start of the second half after injuring his knee when he clattered into former Celtic defender Efe Ambrose, leaving Brendan Rodgers looking for another goalkeeper before the transfer window closes on Wednesday night – with a view to the upcoming Europa League tie against Zenit St Petersburg.
Tierney was pleased with the way Celtic coped with adversity against a good Hibs team.
The 20-year-old left-back said: "We knew it would be a tough game against Hibs, we hadn't beaten them in the league this season.
"We knew what to expect, they're a good team and the pitch wasn't great for both teams.
"We defended well but we could have scored a few more goals as well.
"It's a great win for us and a great clean sheet – but you don't want injuries to happen and it is just unfortunate.
"Unfortunately Craig had to come off but hopefully it's not too serious.
"Leigh had come back in and it's a shame for him. He's had a couple of niggles with his calf before.
"He's got us six points in the last two games with two winners so it's very unfortunate. But I'm sure he'll come back again.
"But anyone who comes in, we believe in them.
"Everyone in this squad has proved themselves before.
"That's why you have a big squad and now we'll need it. It's great that we have depth in every position."
Rodgers claimed a strong defence was key to the victory against Neil Lennon's side.
"I felt that if we could defend well we would have a great chance of winning the game," he said.
"We played well in the other games but at times haven't defended well. And that was how it turned out."
Former Celtic boss Lennon will look to add a striker to his squad before the January transfer window closes.
He said: "I hope so. We are trying to work on that, a bit of physicality wouldn't go amiss.
"Attacking-wise we are not scoring or taking the chances we should.
"We didn't have gilt-edged chances against Celtic but we had decent chances and you don't get that many there at times."
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