Caldwell: The Holy Goalie set us up for victory

Last updated : 29 December 2008 By Mikbhoy

Boruc's save from Kris Boyd when the portly Rangers forward was running through on goal just minutes before Scott McDonald scored was a defining moment in the game and it set the foundation for Celtic's victory. "We all knew a few weeks ago when Artur made his mistake that he would come back and be more focused in the next weeks." said Caldwell "He has done and been brilliant since Easter Road. Artur showed again here what a good goalkeeper he is. When he is behind you and it is a one-on-one, you know he is a big presence."

Boruc hasn't had his problems to seek this season and it was good to see the big keeper redeem himself at that most hostile of grounds for him. "There is always pressure, especially with Artur." continued Caldwell "He is one of those characters that people love to hate but he is a great person to have in the dressing room and the team. In one against one situation, he stands big and it must be daunting for strikers. It was a great save from Boyd and it probably gave us the impetus to go on and get our goal."

Caldwell himself played a major role in Scott McDonald's winning goal. The big central defender played a great ball forward to Georgios Samaras who then nodded it on to his Aussie strike partner who volleyed it on the turn to score a magnificent goal. "In these games, the manager tells us to get the ball into the strikers as quickly as possible and play off it." said Celtic's number five "We knew this would be a game where Sami would be big in the air for us. He got the important flick on and Scotty got his goal, which he has deserved with his work rate and play through the last few weeks. It's been exceptional."

Although the much acclaimed hun forward line gave an insipid display on Saturday the Celtic defence still kept their concentration and produced a professional performance to see out the remaining half hour of the game following Skippy's goal. "We defended well. From the front to the midfield, we got after them and didn't let them play good balls forward." said 'Heid' "That allowed centre-backs and full-backs to get into good positions for when they did. I thought we defended as good as we have ever done against Rangers and we needed to be on form to stop Boyd and Kenny Miller. Stephen and I play with them at international level and we know they are dangerous."

The result restored a seven point lead at the top of the SPL table for the champions and it also helped wipe away the memory of the 4-2 defeat from the huns back in August "We knew this was going to be a big game and winning would give us a bit of a cushion." said Caldwell "It has done that but there is a long way to go. We knew last year that we could catch Rangers and I am sure they will feel the same now. This wasn't so much for the players but for the fans. These games are for them as they take great pleasure and pride in their team when they win. To lose the way we did in the home game hurt us and it must have hurt them. We wanted to give something back. For us, it's just three more points."

Caldwell thinks that it's easier to lead the pack rather than chase and he's encouraged that the Celts have managed to stay in front despite some horrendous injury problems "For long spells we have had different people out and players playing in different positions." he said "It shows what a good squad we have with a togetherness and a will to win. Everyone has stood up to be counted and that is what you have to do. We are in a good position. We found out last season that it is harder to chase than it is to lead from the front. We were lucky that we got the opportunity to come back at the death and win it, so we have to capitalise on what we have done so far and build on it - go into the New Year and keep winning."