If Celtic had ample time to lick their wounds following their festive defeat to Rangers, their reaction has been fautless. The Parkhead side have flexed their muscles upon their return to action with some fairly convincing victories to offer the impression that there title credentials will not be relinquished easily.

Here are five things we learned as Celtic hammered Motherwell 4-0 at Fir Park:

Callum McGregor doesn’t get the credit he is due 

Homegrown players so often fail to get the same acclaim as others. McGregor’s game time had caught up with him in the latter stages of the year prior to the winter shutdown but the Scotland international has been back to his best in recent weeks. Quietly effective, McGregor’s ease in which to find a pass and find a bit of space appears effortless at times but his part in Celtic’s second goal of the night typified his performance. The midfielder’s lung-bursting run to tee up Leigh Griffiths was indicative of the energy, creativity and industry that he lends to the Parkhead side’s midfield but his own volley, the finest goal of the night, was richly deserved for his display.

Celtic’s strike force is working

Since the return from the winter break Neil Lennon’s side have netted 19 goals in 6 games. The back three system might look creaky at times – and the opening 45 minutes at Fir Park was a fairly open affair as Motherwell gave as good as they got – but at the other end this is a team who have got goals in them. Griffiths’ didn’t have the best of times int eh opening period but his confidence grew after getting the second goal of the evening. One little backheel to play in Edouard – and Olivier Ntcham ought to have finished the move – underlined his burgeoning partnership with the French under-21 internationalist.

This Celtic side look special

Last night’s game was the 44th of Celtic’s season, a fairly remarkable run given that it is the earliest days of February. Interestingly, Lennon’s side are just six points shy of where the Parkhead side were at this stage of the season in Brendan Rodger’s invincibles season which is indicative of the consistency shown this term.

Full-throttle football

Lennon’s side are relentless even when the game has been won. At 2-0 up and with Motherwell’s resistance broken, Celtic hit the bar, could afford for Ntcham to miss a  glorious chance and for McGregor to be denied a goal from a decent Mark Gillespie save. By the time that McGregor volleyed in a third, Motherwell’s defence were starting to look punch drunk. But still they came; Odsonne Edouard’s free-kick – similar position and distance to the weekend one he netted against Hamilton – was the final insult.

Edouard continues to light up the Premiership

Odsonne Edouard might be better than Moussa Dembele. The Frenchman has been excellent for Celtic in recent weeks and his all-round match awareness contribution in addition to his goals have contributed to his growing status within the Parkhead side. At just 22, there is so much more still to come from Edouard. Celtic’s problem will be when other suitors come calling.