Fran Alonso was elated with his team’s fighting spirit after the Celtic Women’s team won 1-0 away to Hibernian to make it 10 wins in their last 11 games.

Celtic came out on top in a hard-fought contest last night (Wednesday) thanks to Caitlin Hayes’ first-half header which leaves the Hoops two points clear of third-place Rangers and three behind Glasgow City.

With only two games remaining in the league campaign, the Celtic Women’s team have the chance to secure Champions League football next season if they can finish in the top two.

Celtic came into last night’s crucial game just three days on from another win over Rangers in the league, and Fran Alonso said his players had to dig deep to come away with the three points.

“I’m delighted with the result,” said the Celtic Women’s manager. “I don’t think it was the best game of football. It was a difficult surface to play football on and a 50/50 battle that could have gone either way. We were clinical in our set plays which is a strength of ours and then we managed to see the game out.

“It was all about the three points. It’s unbelievable that this is our 10^th win in the last 11 games. We faced Rangers and Hibs twice as well as Glasgow City. I’m so proud of the girls, I’m delighted for them.

'You could see some tiredness because the last game was very demanding physically and mentally but we got the three points in the end so I’m over the moon.'

Hayes scored the all-important goal two minutes before half-time and Fran Alonso was delighted for the 25-year-old Warrington-born defender who joined Celtic in the summer.

“I’m delighted for Caitlin Hayes,” he said. “She’s been outstanding this season for us and for her to get the goal is something special.

“Her parents are Celtic fans and are very proud of her. I’m delighted for her and the team. It wasn’t an easy game but if you want to be at your best you have to win football games this way. We fought hard and got the three points in the end so I’m over the moon.”

Fran Alonso praises fighting spirit after crucial win over Hibernian