Celtic boss Tony Mowbray watched Glenn Loovens grab a late winner against Hearts - then despite grumblings from the home fans quickly heaped praise on his Celts.

The win moved the Hoops to the top of the table ahead of Rangers who could only draw on Saturday but with victory only secured in the 93rd minute, the home crowd vented their anger during the second half.

Suso Santana had given Hearts a shock early lead only for Chris Killen to pull Celts level ten minutes after half-time with Loovens’ late strike sealing the three points.

And with his side now two points clear at the top of the table Mowbray was quick to look on the bright side of the performance.

“The fans react to the scoreline,” said Mowbray. “There are expectations at this club. For me, I am a coach who judges by performance levels. Now, if your performance level is good enough each week, then you will win enough matches.

“Celtic fans don’t want me to sit here and say, ‘I thought we played great and we have lost 1-0’.

“They want to win and hopefully they went home happy and are talking about some of the good football that was played. I personally thought the team played exceptionally well.”