Juninho performance pleases O'Neill

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has jumped to the defence of Juninho – even though the Brazilian’s performance at Aberdeen is unlikely to save him from a quick return to the substitutes’ bench.

The World Cup winner finally got his chance in yesterday’s 1-0 Bank of Scotland Premier League win to prove he is worthy of a regular first-team spot with his first start in the Hoops since the CIS Insurance Cup defeat to Rangers on November 10.

Juninho has become frustrated by his lack of football and at falling behind fellow midfielder Aiden McGeady in the pecking order.

But his energetic performance failed to convince many he has earned the right to face Motherwell next week, especially with Alan Thompson returning from suspension.

The Celtic supporters and his manager gave him a warm reception when he was substituted late on at Pittodrie.

O’Neill said: “I thought in the first half – when we had the opportunity to get it down and play – that his contribution was very good.

“He looked fresh and fit and pretty determined. In the second half I wasn’t surprised that he got a bit tired.

“We let Juninho get on with it until he didn’t have any energy left, so overall I am pleased with his contribution.”

Even with key players missing Celtic regained their three-point advantage over arch rivals Rangers at the top of the league.

Didier Agathe and Stanislav Varga were ruled out through injury, while Jackie McNamara and Bobo Balde played with knocks.

“I thought it was a hard game,” said McGeady.

“They played well – but so did we and we deserved the three points.

“It is always hard at Pittodrie, and the conditions and the pitch didn’t help. But it was good to get the points.

“With the game at 1-0, it is in the back of your head that they could score a goal. But we defended well.”

Aberdeen manager Jimmy Calderwood admitted midfielder Steve Tosh was unfortunate to be left on the bench and is likely to be back in the starting line-up against Rangers next week.

“It was unlucky for Steve Tosh, because he was probably my best man at Gayfield last week,” said Calderwood.

“In this system there was no position for him to play, and he came on and did well as we got ‘personal’ with them.”

Calderwood, who still hopes to sign Barry Nicholson and Richie Byrne from Dunfermline, acknowledges his side need to improve if they are to have any chance of stopping Alex McLeish’s men.

He said: “That’s not like Aberdeen since I’ve been here. We were nowhere like ourselves in the first half.”

Calderwood was happy with the second-half appearance of new signing Jamie Winter – and he is expecting big things of the teenager.

“He did well,” said the former Dunfermline boss.

“He can play and he knocked the ball about well. It was difficult to come on, especially against the champions, but he did very well.

“You can see he can pass the ball. Against good players he showed that he is going to be an asset to the club and he’s only 19.

“You can see the composure he’s got, and he is only going to get better.”