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Celtic 3-2 Besiktas: What O'Neill said
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- Celtic 3-2 Besiktas: What O'Neill said
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill: "It's a relief we've got off the mark and we've got some points on the board. The game was pretty difficult but we came through it with flying colours.
"I just said to the team they were a credit to the football club, you can't get a bigger accolade than that. We could've caved in after the penalty goes in but we came roaring back and the subs made a big difference. We've got a lot of pace up front but I was just delighted with the whole team.
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"I didn't notice the frustration in the stands, I thought the crowd were brilliant for us. I think they want to see us as much as possible on the front foot, so I think we got re-energised from the subs coming on. It might just give us a platform now.
"I thought it was a terrific win in every aspect. I thought we played some lovely stuff and they're a really fine team. The character shone through in the team no question about that.
"Some of these lads who've been at the club for a long time and been big winners at the club really came to the fore. It's hard to single people out, but [Kieran] Tierney was fantastic for us, the back four did really well. Colby [Donovan] coming on to a game, he's got massive heart and wee Mika Baur was fantastic for us as well.
"You have to score at the top end of the pitch and [Callum] Osmand came on, first touch put the ball in the net and that's really difficult. [Camilo] Duran has been fabulous for us all season no matter where he plays.
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"We've played nine games in 25 days, some players needed a breather. I'm going to say that was our plan and those players were going to come on the pitch at some point in the game.
"I'm delighted Duran got his goals and if you're talking about knowing your best side he would be in it. Duran is a class player.
"I think this will boost our confidence now, we have a tough game on Sunday then the international break, but to win the European game tonight is great. The European games are tough but we came through that test and that's a big boost."
