O'Neill credits 'real Celtic Park atmosphere' after Green Brigade return

Martin O'Neill felt a "real Celtic Park atmosphere" had an impact on his side's win over St Mirren after the return of the Green Brigade.

The ultras group had their ban lifted and the standing section was back at full capacity for the first time in about six months.

They were behind the team throughout the game, although some criticism of the board was reserved for after the game, with a banner branding them "unfit for purpose".

O'Neill felt the improved vocal backing helped his side through some difficult moments in their 1-0 victory over the Buddies, which kept them three points behind William Hill Premiership leaders Hearts.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain netted in the 15th minute but the champions could not build on their promising start and St Mirren competed well in the second half.

O'Neill said: "I thought the crowd were great to us, because they could easily have got irritated with some of the things we did.

"We were loose in possession at times, but they kept us going – a bit like against Dundee last weekend, which had a big effect on us staying in the game after Dundee had equalised. I thought they were great.

"If, by the end of the season, we could get a few things rectified, cleared up, call it what you will…

"But it felt like a real Celtic Park atmosphere."