CELTIC marked their eighth successive Flag Day at Paradise today (Saturday) with seven goals from five different scorers. After the 7-0 St Johnstone win, Neil Lennon described his side’s performance as perfect.

“That’s a perfect performance in every aspect of our play,” said the manager. “A clean sheet, two attacking fullbacks, great in midfield. There was a relentless aspect about our play today which I enjoyed.

“The subs were fantastic too and made a great contribution. I loved the last three goals. They were great all round, and I loved the connection between the players and the fans today as well.”

An emphatic Man of the Match-worthy hat-trick from Ryan Christie, and goals from Mikey Johnston, Olivier Ntcham, Odsonne Edouard and Leigh Griffiths got the Hoops’ title defence off to a flyer.

Now, their collective focus turns to Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League third qualifying round first leg against CFR Cluj.

Neil Lennon had nothing but praise for the on-form Christie – who has already netted six this campaign so far – and prepares for an entirely different challenge in midweek.

He added: “Is there more to come? I’d like to think so. Ryan Christie is unquestionably a top team player here. He’s got great enthusiasm and stamina and, not only that, he’s got immense talent.

“We’ve got goals in Odsonne, Forrest, Sinclair, Christie, McGregor, and that pleases me. We’re not one dimensional in terms of where the goals are coming from.

“We’ve defeated a very good and rugged St Johnstone team today. The players do the talking. We’ve had a real intense period with the Champions League games, and we’ve got another big one on Wednesday.

“That game will be a totally different challenge for us, but for an opening game of the season today, seven goals… just, wow.”

Neil Lennon: St Johnstone win was a perfect performance