As if a trip to play Livingston on their artificial pitch just a few days after a European game wasn’t enough of a test, the Celts won the hard way after going a man down before even the first half-hour was up.

However, despite the home side having their tails up, the Celts bossed the game in defence, midfield and attack in such style that you wondered which side was down to 10 men.

At the heart of much of that style was Matt O’Riley who was imperious in an attacking midfield that held sway over all three sections of pitch no matter which side had possession of the ball at the time.

The Hoops midfielder, who got the all-important second goal in the 3-0 win, told Celtic TV after the game: “I thought we managed it very, very well.

“We started the game really well, got an early goal and were a bit unfortunate to go down to 10 men when we did, but in saying that, we were pretty much comfortable throughout the whole game.

‘Defensively were really solid from front to back, so I’m really happy.’

“It’s about staying calm in your head when it gets to that point because we know we’ve got the quality to keep playing.

“As long as you’re comfortable with the ball, you need to take in situations where you’ve got a man behind you, but as long as you’re comfortable it’s not a problem.

“It was definitely a good test for us in terms of confidence and being able to keep clean sheets.

“Even on Tuesday night against Feyenoord, albeit we had nine men, I think the boys stuck it out for the whole game.”

Matt O’Riley delighted as game management delivers stylish win