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Winning the key for Mjallby

10 February 2012-PA Sport

Celtic assistant manager Johan Mjallby described the 4-0 win over Hearts as a "masterclass" - but he believes its ability to grind out victories has been the key to its dramatic change in fortunes.

Celtic completed its 16th consecutive domestic win in some style at Tynecastle on midweek, racing to a three goal lead just after the half hour mark.

Goals from Scott Brown, Victor Wanyama, Joe Ledley and Gary Hooper put Celtic four points ahead of Rangers in the Scottish Premier League - three months after facing a 15-point deficit.

Mjallby feels a warning that success is only possible through hard work steered it from under-achievers to a team now chasing the treble.

The Swede, whose team host Inverness on Sunday (AEDT), told CelticTV: "We started this run after being very inconsistent. We were pressing that you need to work hard as a team.

"We know we have so many good players and they are skilful but to get success you need to work and be a team.

"For the last three months it's been wonderful to watch them. We can win in style and we can win with true grit.

"I think that's the most important change - even when things aren't working, we never panic.

"We believe in ourselves and we try to grind them down and get three points."

There was little need to panic at Tynecastle as Celtic built on Brown's early goal.

"It was just pure masterclass," Mjallby said. "It was a brilliant performance from the boys.

"You always worry that you drop your standards in the second half.

"We just wanted to win the second half and they all went out and played so well - you could see the confidence."

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