Petrov strike a winner for Celtic

Kilmarnock 0 Celtic 1

Much-improved Kilmarnock felt they could take something from Gordon Strachan’s men. But putting that into practice is easier said than done and the Glasgow giants could have added to Petrov’s cool chip.

No-nonsense Strachan did something his predecessor Martin O’Neill never did - dropping Alan Thompson - with Shaun Maloney starting.

John Hartson was again on the bench and he has not started a game for Celtic since September 24. He has been linked with a move to Birmingham in the January window.

But, while the Celtic boss insists he has had no contact with the Blues, he concedes no player can be guaranteed to stay at any club.

“I’ve not seen that story. I don’t want to hear any offers for any of my players. Everybody has got a price just like Thierry Henry and Ronaldinho. We would all go for some extra cash.”

On George Burley’s controversial exit from Hearts, he said: “I couldn’t tell you if it will benefit us. I don’t want to speculate.”

Strachan was unimpressed with his team’s display at Rugby Park where several players were off form, despite claiming the three points.

“I want Celtic to win, but, as manager, I have to look at the bigger picture, five players didn’t come up to the standards I expect in terms of passing ability. We didn’t pass it as well as we should but kept plugging away.

“I am happy with the win and the effort of some, but not happy with other things.”

KILMARNOCK: Smith, Fowler, Greer, Lilley, Hay, Johnston, Locke, McDonald (Wales 77), Invincibile, Boyd, Naismith (Nish 77), Nish (Dodds 82).

CELTIC: Boruc, Telfer, Balde, McManus, Camara, Nakamura (McGeady 90), Lennon, Petrov, Maloney (Thompson 82), Sutton, Beattie (Hartson 71).

Ref: I Brines (Scotland).