Murphy salutes Celtic spirit

Murphy: Determined

Daryl Murphy believes the late winner scored by Gary Hooper against St Mirren highlights Celtic's never-say-die attitude.

The Bhoys looked set to lose ground on Glasgow rivals Rangers at the top of the SPL until Hopper struck with just seconds remaining to seal a 1-0 success at St Mirren Park.

Hooper had also netted a last-gasp goal to give Celtic victory over Dundee United earlier in the season and Murphy feels these could be crucial points in the title race.

The Irishman has been impressed by the character of his team-mates and insists they are prepared to keep fighting until the end.

"I think the timing of the goal shows the strength and team spirit just now," Murphy said in the Daily Record.

"That could be a massive three points come the end of the season. We never give up and we put a lot of pressure on them towards the end.

"The gaffer said, 'you might score in the first, you might score in the 90th minute but you have to just keep going and believe.

Blur

"I knew we would get chances towards the end of the game and it was just a matter of us taking one of them.

"It was the last minute when we scored but all that matters is that we got the three points. It was all a bit of a blur. I just remember getting myself in the six-yard box when the ball went wide.

"It came in and Hoops hit it first time but it came off a defender. It went straight to his feet again and he stabbed it home - cue the madness.

"I was first in, jumping on his back when he scored and got thumped in the eye by someone as there were arms going everywhere but it was worth it. It was a little bit crazy.

"It was great for the players and for the supporters who were at the game in their numbers."

Murphy came on as a substitute against St Mirren following an injury lay-off and admits it was a relief to return to action.

"I haven't had a game since my injury so I've got no sharpness but it's great to be back," he said.