O'Neill hails fans as Celtic clinch title

13 April 2012

Martin O'Neill paid tribute to Celtic fans after securing the championship in front of a 60,440 crowd - the biggest of the season in Scotland - at Celtic Park.  

The Celtic boss reflected on a "fantastic day" following the 1-0 victory over St Mirren.

Tommy Johnson's first-half strike proved the difference at a tense Celtic Park to give the home side all three points and ensure they could not be caught by Rangers.

O'Neill told Sky Box Office: "It's been a fantastic day. It's all been worthwhile now.

"There was a bit of tension in the dressing room beforehand with all the build-up and the expectation."

The former Leicester City boss added: "It's been worth waiting for. We got the all-important goal today to win it in front of our own fans.

"I would like the supporters for their massive support, and we could not have won this without the players."

Fans rejoiced as the Hoops secured their first title since 1998.

Goalscorer Tommy Johnson said: "It's been brilliant. It doesn't matter who scored, we just had to win and we won. It's incredible."

Striker Henrik Larsson, who scored 47 goals so far this season, said: "We had everything to lose today. They tried to sit back and tried to counter us.

"Luckily we scored one goal and we managed to win the game. It's a tremendous feeling to win.

"This is very special to me. We have been having a tough time since we won the championship the last time. We managed to turn that around this season."

Despite winning the title the Swede admitted Celtic's work had just begun.

Larsson added: "We hope we can build on that this time and for the future.

"We have to keep on trying to attract the best players we can get."

But Larsson refused to be drawn on negotiations over a new contract. When asked if he would have talks this week he responded: "I don't know."

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