SPL: O'Neill delighted to retain title

Celtic boss Martin O'Neill has admitted that retaining the Scottish Premier League title was a bigger achievement than winning it last season.

Celtic secured their first back-to-back championship in 20 years in some style with a 5-1 victory over Livingston and celebrated with the presentation of the SPL trophy.

But O'Neill could not hide his delight after the game and admitted that dominating the championship was made even harder by having to play Champions League games.

He said: "I would say that it's a better accomplishment this season.

"Last year was great and retaining it is magnificent because, I suppose, with the Champions League games and winning matches after, is even more difficult."

O'Neill admitted his side's thrilling performance made the day all the more sweeter.

The champions were 4-0 up at half-time, with a double apiece from Henrik Larsson and John Hartson.

Larsson completed his hat-trick in the second half and not even a Barry Wilson consolation for Livingston could dampen the spirits of the Celtic players and their manager.

"That to me was the most delightful thing of the afternoon," added O'Neill.

"This time last year we were stodgy against St Mirren - not that that mattered anything to the fans.

"But we wanted to play better on the day and to do it in that fashion was great today."