Neil Lennon spoke to Celtic TV after Celtic came from behind to pick up a vital three points on the road against Hamilton Accies.
The manager knew that his side would go 7 points clear over rivals Rangers with a win in South Lanarkshire but it was easier said than done as a resilient Hamilton refused to go down without a challenge.
“The momentum we’ve built at the start of year has been fantastic.
“We had to be patient. We had to be concentrated. We didn’t play well in the first half, then we get the red card and free kick and that puts us in the ascendency.
“But it was still very difficult to break Hamilton down. They defended for their lives. They did a great job but we knew they would tire.
“The subs made a big difference. They gave us that extra impetus, that creative spark.”
Ogkmpoe powered Accies ahead on 26 minutes after loose marking at a corner again from Celtic. The big striker impressed as he gave Jullien, Ajer and debutant Welsh a tough afternoon.
Celtic were level after Leigh Griffiths was fouled on the edge of the Accies area by Hamilton who was shown red before Odsonne Edouard scored from the resulting free-kick 22 yards out.
Christopher Jullien made it 2-1 with 12 minutes remaining after substitutes Jonny Hayes and Ryan Christie combined down the left flank. Edouard had his second and it was 3-1 Celtic after a lovely interchange from Tom Rogic and the Frenchman before a cool finish.
James Forrest completed the scoreline on a tough afternoon in Hamilton after a showcase in the Scottish Champions’ grit and determination when their opponents are up for it as well.