The important Celtic squad message that Ange Postecoglou displayed against Kilmarnock

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It was a comfortable afternoon for Celtic on Sunday as the Hoops ran out rampant 5-0 winners over Kilmarnock.

First-half goals from Kyogo Furuhashi, Jota and Moritz Jenz, had the game all but wrapped up by half-time, and the Bhoys went into the break with a healthy advantage.

However, they were also followed by strikes from Carl Starfelt and Giorgos Giakoumakis in the second 45 minutes to round the game off in style.

After going three goals up just before the half-time whistle, it could have been easy for the Celtic side to take the foot off the gas and see the game out.

Especially when you consider the surface being played on at Rugby Park and the potential difficulties that come with that, which was discussed ahead of the game by the Celtic manager and Matt O’Riley.

However, that isn’t the Ange Postecoglou way.

Of course, last season’s motto became ‘We Never Stop’ due to the mentality and style of play integrated into this Celtic side by the 56-year-old.

And that was no different in the Hoops’ superb display in Ayrshire on Sunday, piling the pressure on the Kilmarnock goal for the entire 90 minutes.

Ange Postecoglou wasn’t for letting his side’s standards slip either, introducing the triple substitution of Aaron Mooy, Liel Abada and Giorgos Giakoumakis to the game.

Second-half changes showcased how important squad depth will be this season.

Although the three players were introduced when the points were all but secured, the second-half changes sent out a message to the rest of the league.

Bringing on players with the quality of Giakoumakis just goes to show how much depth this Celtic squad now has and the changes that Postecoglou could make in any game.

For example, should Celtic find themselves behind against the likes of Kilmarnock or Ross County, they have different options to introduce off the bench to try and change the end outcome.

That is a luxury that the former Socceroos boss didn’t have all that often last campaign due to the injuries to his squad, whilst it was also undergoing a rebuild.

There is no doubting having those players to bring off the bench will have a huge impact on a game at some point further down the line this season, which could ultimately help boost the Hoops title charge.

In other news, Carl Starfelt expresses delight at first Celtic goal as he opens up on emotional release of celebration.