I AM sure the Celtic players went into the game against Ross County at the weekend with a sense of trepidation after the Hamilton result the evening before.

With Accies beating Aberdeen 3-0 at New Douglas Park on Friday night it meant that Celtic were nine points adrift of the league leaders - albeit with two games in hand.

A draw or even a defeat in Dingwall would have meant them falling further behind in the race for the Scottish title.

They did superbly to hold their nerve and triumph so convincingly.

They played extremely well at a venue they have sometimes struggled at in the past.

Of course, the difficulties their opponents are experiencing should not be overlooked.

What Ronny Deila's team have to do now is build on the win - starting against Astra Giurgiu at Celtic Park tomorrow night.

With Salzburg playing Dinamo Zagreb in the other tie in Group D, Celtic can build up a significant advantage over two of their rivals with another victory.

I think that Celtic can qualify from this group now and progress to the knockout stages of the competition if they win all of their home matches.

Astra, the Romanian champions, are considered the weakest team in the group.

But Celtic need to approach the game properly in order to show they are just that.

They cannot just turn up expecting to pick up all three points because their opponents aren't as strong as Salzburg, who they draw with away, and Zagreb, who they beat at home.

Celtic have done well in the Europa League and they will be keen to keep their run going.

But they have had a lot to thank Craig Gordon for in their games so far. They can play better.

As I say, it is important for Celtic to put together a run of results, in Europe and in domestic competition, and start showing a consistency that has been lacking this season.

As well as Astra tomorrow night, Celtic have a run of Premiership games at home against Kilmarnock, Partick Thistle and Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the league.

I think they have a chance of going on a good winning streak.

I don't think it was any coincidence that they played so well at the weekend when they were only missing Kris Commons and James Forrest.

Just about every member in the squad was available for selection. Having that competition for places keeps players on their toes.

I think the strength of the squad will ensure the run continues. I know there are a few injury doubts for the Astra game, but I don't think they are too serious.

There is a lot of time between Saturday afternoon and Thursday evening for them to recover. Anyway, Celtic have a big enough squad to cope with any absences.

Did the lack of injuries have a bearing on the display against Ross County? Who knows. But I think the fact players were missing at the start of the 2014/15 campaign was partly responsible for their disappointing form.

It was good to see Charlie Mulgrew get 90 minutes under his belt against Jim McIntyre's side on Saturday. He has been one of Celtic's more consistent players in the last few seasons.

In the early part of the season, Charlie didn't really produce the form he is capable of - along with, it must be said, several of his team-mates. The team would benefit from him getting back to his best.

It will be interesting to see what the Celtic manager's formation and line-up will be against Astra if everyone is fit.

I am particularly intrigued to see what he does with Commons if he is available.

Does he rejig things? Does he play Mulgrew in midfield? Wherever he is selected, Charlie is an influential player.

I am sure that whoever is fit and whoever is given the nod that Celtic can win this Europa League game and go on a good run.