“I think we have done that and the performances have been really good and we are in a good position now.

“We have been more ruthless in both boxes and more intent off the ball to press right from the off.

“I’m not thinking about numbers to be completely honest.

'That’s probably why they are coming more this season and I’m just trying to do whatever is best for the team in any given moment.'

“Usually when that’s your mindset and you put the team first then things naturally happen.

“I wouldn’t have scored the goal if Paulo Bernardo didn’t pass me the ball and I wouldn’t have got the assist if Daizen Maeda didn’t make the run, so I’m lucky to have good teammates around.”

The St Mirren victory will be the last time we see Celtic in action until January 21 when they start the defence of their Scottish Cup crown at home to Buckie Thistle.

It’s been an intense period of football from August to this point, particularly the recent run of festive fixtures, so the break is an important period for O’Riley and the rest of the group to recover for the second part of the campaign.

He added: “I want to take care of my body and mind. It’s a good chance to rest and I’m fortunate enough to go and get some sun and chill out a bit.

“I will train a little bit but not too much as we’ve played a lot of football and I need to rest the body.

“I will do my usual stuff like meditation and come back fresh.

“We know the demands of this football club, I’ve been here long enough now to know you can’t let your foot off the gas so that will be the message when we come back.”

Matt O'Riley: We intend to return stronger after the break