CHRISTOPHER Jullien was delighted to help Celtic continue their strong start to the year with a vital goal in the 4-1 win over Hamilton and said the performance underlined the confidence within the team.

Celtic found themselves a goal down at New Douglas Park midway through the first half but the champions drew level just before the break through Odsonne Edouard.

The home side defended well to keep the score level and, with just over 10 minutes remaining, it looked as if Celtic would only manage to take a point from the game. Jullien emerged with the all-important second goal, however, and from there the Hoops increased their lead with another from Edouard and one from James Forrest.

Jullien’s contribution saw the French defender increase his goal tally to six for the season, but his joy lay only in helping his team secure the win.

“It was a tough game,” said Jullien. “That goal was really welcomed by the team so I’m really happy with the goal.

“I was initially going back but when I saw the throw-in I decided to stay up. The ball from Ryan was perfect and I just had to finish it.

“I just have to do my best for the team. Ryan and the other players have given me great assists and I really hope it’s not going to stop. Anytime I can help the team and make the club proud then I want to do it. I’m just delighted to help the team.

“The most difficult part in football is to score goals so I’m just happy to score. Scoring isn’t my first priority on the pitch, my first target is to keep a clean sheet. I was mad about the goal we conceded because that was my man who scored. It’s just a bonus to score and I’m really happy.”

The Hoops defender was quick to brush aside any notions of what the win meant in the context of the title race and instead touched on how the performance reflected the confidence within the squad.

“I don’t think about any other teams. It’s just three-points and I’m happy that we’re keeping the momentum going. Since the beginning of the year we’ve been really good.

“There are a lot of months left in the season and now we’re just focused on the next game. The title is a long race and each game is so important.

“The character that we have shown since the beginning of the year shows how confident we are about the way we play.”

Jullien also heaped praise on Celtic Academy graduate, Stephen Welsh who made his debut in the game.

“Stephen was great,” he said. “That was his first game and I’m just delighted for him. I was impressed with him, he did a really good job in a tough game and that shows the character he has.

“The most important thing I said to him before the game was that we had to speak to each other. I tried to speak a lot to him and he was speaking to me which is great. He’s not shy on the pitch and I can’t wait to see what’s next for him.”

Jullien: Celtic win over Hamilton shows the confidence in the squad