Sead Hakšabanović looked back on Celtic’s 3-1 midweek win over Hearts at Celtic Park which edges Ange Postecoglou anther step closer to retaining the title and admitted that although the Hoops got the job done the performance was as good as it could have been.

“I would say it was OK, not great. But you have these kinds of games, you cannot play your best every time. Some days it’s just OK, but we still got the job done and we won.

“We are happy with the three points and we move on. We can take confidence from the things we do well in the games. I don’t know how many games we have left, but we are focusing on the next one on Saturday against Hearts again. After that, we will see.”

Hakšabanović scored the third goal to make sure of the points and will be looking forward to playing at Tynecastle either from the bench as has usually been the case recently after he had one or two injury problems, or perhaps increasingly likely that he’s get the nod from Ange Postecoglou to start with Daizen Maeda unlikely to be fit.

And the Montenegrin has certainly enjoyed his time at Celtic with the sweet taste of silverware success – winning his first medal in the game last month at Hampden against theRangers giving him the hunger for many more medals to add to his collection.

“There is plenty of space in my cupboard for more medals because I only have one. As a player this is what we want. We want to win games, trophies and medals,” Hakšabanović said as reported by Scottish Sun.

“We have one so far and now we have the chance for two more. But we have to take it one game at a time and work hard in training, because that’s where everything starts. We must stay focused and do what the manager asks of us.

“When I came to Celtic there was a winning spirit. You know how important it is at this club to win. You can feel it when you come in. Do some players struggle with that? I love it. Simple as that.

“You want to be the best you can be, so you need to have that mentality.”

The League Cup final win over theRangers at Hampden a few weeks ago was a match that Hakšabanović enjoyed immensely as he picked up that first winners medal that has left him hungry for many more. And he admits that he is loving life as a Celtic player on and off the park.

“It was amazing. I loved every second of the game. I only heard our fans mind you, but that’s another story. I enjoyed it.

“I am good with the boys, we can go out for dinner sometimes, and I can have my girlfriend here and family over. It’s been good. I am used to living away from home, so it’s very chilled. After training I’m mostly taking it easy, because we train hard. But I am enjoying life in Glasgow.”

After missing a few chances after coming off the bench in the Cup Final Hakšabanović promised the support that he wouldn’t miss the next time and he duly delivered on that assurance in midweek with that spectacular finish to make sure of the points in the 3-1 win over Hearts at Celtic Park. The Swedish born Montenegro international attacker certainly enjoyed that moment.

“It was on my mind to shoot. I knew before I got the ball I was going to go inside and try to score. I was very happy with the goal. I have been getting closer. I was close a couple of times against (the)Rangers, and now I have scored. Hopefully I can keep doing it.

“I’ll take it one game at a time and it doesn’t matter if I get five minutes, get half an hour or I start. I want to do my stuff and show that I want to play in this team. I just go out there and enjoy myself, and I showed that on Wednesday.

“I want to play every game, I’m not going to say I don’t want to play. But I also know we have great players in this team. If I don’t play then I accept it, but I know I am going to focus on coming in.

“I have to be ready for when I start. The key at the moment is this is a young squad and everyone wants to get their chance to prove themselves. We all know we can put any player out there and they will be great.

“Whoever starts is up to the manager. We just want to do our work, and show what we can do on the training ground and on the pitch,” Sead Hakšabanović said.

Celtic v Ross County – cinch Premiership – Celtic Park Celtic s Sead Haksabanovic celebrates scoring Photo Steve Welsh

With Daizen Maeda injured against Hearts when scoring the equaliser – with nothing said by the referee to their goalie either – Hakrošabanović could get his chance to start tomorrow in the second leg of this double header, this time at Tynecastle in the Scottish Cup semi-final. And Jota, after a difficult game in Paisley (he still scored the crucial equaliser), looked much more like himself when he came off the bench on Wednesday night to replace the Maeda shortly before the half-time whistle.

So a front three tomorrow of Jota, Kyogo and Hakšabanović could be on the cards. Perhaps with a midfield of Hatate, McGregor and Mooy and the regular defensive block of Hart, Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Starfelt and Greg Taylor, who may be a doubt but is likely to make it.

Most Celtic fans would be happy with that team in what is a huge game for Celtic as Ange Postecoglou’s side looks to go one better than last season by adding the Scottish Cup to the League Cup and Scottish Premiership title to complete a treble.

Matthew Marr’s debut Celtic book – ‘The BOULD BHOYS – Glory to their name’ is published on Friday 24 March. Thanks to everyone who has ordered since we announced the book’s release date on Monday night via an interview with the author. Please note that all pre-ordered books will be personally signed by Matthew Marr and you can order below if you’d like a signed copy posted out to you 24 March.