1995-12-09. Hibernian 0-4 Celtic. Premier Division.

BYLINE:By James Traynor;

IT was unanimous.Hibernian'sfaint challenge for the premier division championship was rendered hopeless as they conceded four more goals to the Old Firm. This timeCeltictook the Edinburgh side apart, and afterwards Tommy Burns' players were convinced they now have the skills and the desire to break Rangers' hold on the title.
Confidence is beginning to course throughCeltic. This feeling of well-being was evident in the way they walked away from Easter Road on Saturday night and it had been obvious earlier in the way they played. No-one needed to say how good they feel, but one or two did anyway.

The captain, Paul McStay, who has his testimonial match against Manchester United atCelticPark tomorrow night, agreed the team are playing as well now as at any time in recent years and added: "I know we won the Scottish Cup last year, but winning the championship could be regarded as the real turning point for us."The most significant point about McStay's words was that he actually mentioned the title andCelticin the same breath, and he wasn't just mouthing words either.
McStay, like the rest ofCeltic'splayers, have come to believe in themselves, and the title which Rangers have owned for the last seven seasons is the only prize they want.
It was not so very long ago whenCelticwere little threat to Rangers because of the boardroom and managerial turmoil which undermined confidence on and off the pitch, but, with finances more stable, a new ground still rising in the East End of Glasgow, and a studious manager in Burns, the future holds great promise.
Burns' ways, which are not much removed from the traditionalCelticways, in fact, are showing through and they are also too much for most of his team's opponents.
Celticmove the ball with elegance and ease, and into their game has been introduced a variety of speeds. When necessary, players like McStay and John Collins slow down and seem to scan defences in front of them, working out ways of cutting through, but, when the opposition is caught on the break,Celticshuttle the ball forward at high speed.
Usually, several players are involved and the attacks are given an attractive fluency which tends to bemuse anyone trying to read their play. There is little doubt nowCelticare playing the most intricate and appealing football in the top division.
However, Rangers remain the side they will have to overcome if the title is to be shown off again atCelticPark and there is about the Ibrox side a greater resilience. They have been restrained because of injuries and suspensions yet they are still clear at the top of the premier division and, having become used to first place, they will not relinquish that position easily which suggests the second half of the season could be thrilling.
Celtic, too, are learning to cope with the loss of players and went to Easter Road without John Hughes and Peter Grant, but the pattern was not disrupted.
"It is easier for players to slot into a team when that team is playing well," said McStay, who had been doubtful because of a cold. "I spent Friday in bed and that was enough. I don't want to miss any games."
His recovery and determination to play was disappointing for Brian McLaughlin, who had been told by the manager on Friday night that he would be playing in place of the captain, but, when the players arrived on Saturday, McStay was waiting.
He later radiated good health and he performed with a grace and vision which no-one else could match.
There were enjoyable displays also from Collins, Simon Donnelly, who is relishing his role as a wide midfield player, Phil O'Donnell, and Jackie McNamara. The full back scored the opening goal – his first forCeltic- in 11 minutes when he was perfectly placed to finish off a well-constructed move involving Donnelly and Pierre van Hooydonk.
McNamara's surged into Hibs' box and, when Donnelly's chip-in arrived, he volleyed the ball into the net. It was a splendid goal which incorporated speed, touch, and awareness.
However, it should be said Hibs made it easier forCelticto look good when a moment of weakness reduced Alex Miller's side to 10. Only Darren Dods will know why he wrestled O'Donnell to the ground in 17 minutes after Darren Jackson had tackled Andreas Thom heavily, but the outcome was costly. Dods walked and Jackson was cautioned.
Thom easily evaded Andy Millen on the left nine minutes later and squared the ball for O'Donnell to score from close range and, even that early in the match, everyone knew it was all over.
Celticwent in search of more goals, but the third came 12 minutes from the end when van Hooydonk's powerful header beat Jim Leighton, who was foolish enough to get himself booked for having spoken out of turn to the referee at the end of the first half.
Poor defensive play allowedCelticpossession in 85 minutes and their new signing, Morten Wieghorst, played a good ball through to van Hooydonk, who then supplied Donnelly running free into Hibs' box. The youngster took the fourth goal well.
"We were beaten by a better team," said Miller, understating the obvious. "However, we faced an uphill struggle when Dods' inexperience left us a man short."
As for Burns, he said there is more to come from his players. "I couldn't be happier right now, but I feel the team will get better. The players are working very hard every day and the attitude is spot on."
Celtichave been returning for more work in the afternoons for several weeks now and the players feel the benefit training hard in the mornings and then dealing with passing and movement in the afternoon sessions.
"If you want to be good at anything you must work," McStay added.
Well said, sir.