Soccer: Celtic will be rocking all over the world

The party will not just be restricted to the east end of Glasgow should Celtic complete their title quest with victory over St Mirren at Parkhead tomorrow - they will be dancing in delight all round the world.

A packed ground and millions on television will be urging the Hoops on as they chase the three points needed to confirm only their second championship in 13 years.

After over a decade in the shadow of Rangers’ dominance, new boss Martin O’Neill has inspired a Lazarus-type revival to leave their Old Firm rivals trailing.

And for the long-suffering fans who have suffered the taunts from across the Glasgow divide, the change in fortunes has not come a moment too soon.

"It is the youngsters I feel most happy for," said Celtic Supporters’ Association general-secretary Eddie Toner.

"The older fans remember the Jock Stein days when we used to win most of the trophies but many of the supporters will not remember that.

"It is a testament to their loyalty that Celtic manage to sell 50,000 season tickets on the back of probably the worst decade in our history.

"I can’t imagine any other club achieving that and it is fair to say that we will turn up on Saturday expecting our team to tie up the league.

"If it happens, the celebrations will not be just confined to the east end of Glasgow. We have supporters groups across the world and I am sure the parties will be starting all over."

Toner admits that even the most optimistic fan couldn’t have imagined that O’Neill would enjoy so much success in his first season since the move north from Leicester.

After last year’s disastrous efforts under John Barnes and Kenny Dalglish, most would have settled for at least challenging Rangers and the possibility of winning one of the cup competitions.

Instead, with the CIS Cup already in the bag, Celtic stand on the brink of their first domestic Treble since 1969.

"Martin O’Neill deserves most of the credit for what has been achieved this season," said Toner.

"He has raised expectations to a terrific level and in that sense he is possibly the victim of his own success.

"I am sure he would be the first to admit that he has a bit to go before he can be compared to Jock Stein but he has started off in the right manner.

"Some supporters now think we can go on and achieve more and hopefully that will be the case but the simple fact that people are thinking it just shows what a good job he has done.

"St Mirren have their own battles to fight and they won’t make it easy for us but the fans have stood by their team for such a long time and we are willing them just to take one more step forward.

"There is no anxiety, we just want it wrapped up as soon as possible. The supporters carried the team to the second goal against Dundee on Wednesday and they will be there if needed again tomorrow."