Celtic lined up in there expected 4-4-2 with no surprise changes to the squad. Barry Robson took over from the injured Shunsuke Nakamura in the right hand side of midfield as Strachan opted on Hartley and Brown in the centre of midfield.
It was a frustrating afternoon for Celtic. Whilst they could boast the lion's share of possession they lacked a cutting edge at front of goal with many players suffering from apparent stage fright as soon as they entered the final third. St Mirren hustled and harried and looked dangerous on the break but lacked the kind of quality required to get a result at fortress Parkhead but it was the Paisley team who carved out the first real opportunity. Celtic had Artur Boruc to thank as the Polish keeper pulled off one of his trademark fingertip saves to deny the Buddies.
This seemed to spur Celtic on, who had toiled up to this stage, more from moves just not quite coming off for them rather than poor play. It was as if you could see what they were trying to do but they couldn't quite find the right pass or touch to facilitate if.
Celtic had a clear penalty claim (one that was more of a penalty than the one that was awarded) when JVH managed to knock the ball past the Saints 'keeper only to be upended by him. Referee Eddie Smith decided that a goal kick was the correct award and play continued.
Celtic then made the breakthrough via a penalty from Barry Robson. JVH burst into the box with Saints defender Hanning tussling with him and Big Jan managed to get a shot off but failed to hit the target. Not one person in block 408 was even contemplating anything other than a goal kick when the referee pointed to the spot. I will reserve full judgement until I see the replay on TV but this appeared to be a ref making amends for failing to award the earlier penalty.
Celtic held out for the victory as Saints tried to get the point that they felt they deserved. Referee Eddie Smith capped off a fine performance of ineptitude when he decided to book JVH for the audacity to get fouled. Well done Eddie, your fellow Ref's will not be getting much of a pay-rise based on your performance!
Yours in Celtic
Clydebuilt