Ange Postecoglou rails against Celtic defence criticism and vows to go on a winning run - points from the presser

A goal in each half from Japanese bhoy Kyogo Furuhashi and Portuguese wide man Jota was enough to see off a spirited Aberdeen side after the Reds had equalised courtesy of midfielder Lewis Ferguson. It was Celtic's first victory on their travels since Valentine's Day.

As the Aussie toasted his first away win in the Scottish Premiership the 56-year-old was quick to praise the character of his team.

He told the written press: "Everyone is well aware of our struggles away from home going into last year. I think the manner in which we did it today showed tremendous character to get ourselves back in front after they equalised.

"I think the players were searching for the winner, they weren’t going to settle for a point.

"I’m pleased for the players that they got their rewards.

READ MORE: Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou hails character of his players after fightback secures first away Premiership win

"I have felt it’s in the team but we’ve just not been able to get over that hump.

"Hopefully today gives them the confidence that they can.

"It was pleasing. Everyone is well aware of our struggles away from home going into last year.

"I think the manner in which we did it today showed tremendous character to get ourselves back in front after they equalised.

“I think the players were searching for the winner, they weren’t going to settle for a point. I’m pleased for the players that they got their rewards.

"We have obviously struggled away from home in the league and a day like today shows that if we stick at it then we can win."

What's interesting here is that Ange admits that his belief in them has never wavered and that the players actually need to believe in themselves a bit more for the wins to come. Ange clearly fees this is the template for knowing how to win ugly and there are no excuses for not being able to grind it out now. If they show the same battling qualities in the weeks and games to come then they can be successful.

READ MORE: Celtic's battling win at Aberdeen can be spark that ignites title charge - Tony Haggerty

The Aussie also referred to the over-zealous celebrations with the club's supporters at full-time which was reminiscent of the days when Ronny Deila performed his 'Ronny Roar' at the end of matches.

Speaking to the written press, Ange said: “I think that’s important. The fans have been patient with us so far, they can see what we are trying to do.

“We haven’t really rewarded them, particularly away from home. I’m pleased for our fans that they enjoyed the trip up here and they will enjoy the trip home. They saw today not only that we can play good football but there is a character in this team to get results when we need them.

“It can only help. If there is one thing about us this year, we have definitely shown that when we play well we can definitely take it to teams. There have been games when we have scored a lot of goals and played really well but the one thing we haven’t shown yet is that ability to find a way to win a game when we need it.

“We’re a new team. If you look at the players who are playing at the moment, very few of them have actually had meaningful Celtic careers so far. Guys like Monty and Ralston, even Dave Turnbull, it’s not like they have either been here for five or six years and understand what Celtic is about. Apart from Cal and Nir who started and Tom who came on the rest are new.

“It’s just that understanding of what the expectations are at this football club week in, week out.”

Ange can see the players give their all in every game for the supporters and clearly felt it was good to finally send them home from an away game with a win. He also pointed out that he and the fans have formed a quick bond.

The supporters understand the bigger picture and are fully on board with what he and his new squad of players are trying to achieve and the manger feels if they stick together they success will return to Celtic. Despite some recent criticism, Ange is convinced that the Celtic supporters remain on board and are totally invested in what he is trying to achieve.

Meanwhile, the boss revealed a more relaxed side to his own charter to Broadcast when he quipped about the up-and-coming international break.

With both Furuhashi and Callum McGregor sidelined by injuries sustained in the October international window, he joked that he wouldn't put up with any more casualties of international war.

READ MORE: Ange Postecoglou issues his Celtic players with a stark warning ahead of international break

Ange insists that he will use the two-week break to get his injured stars up to speed and ready to put the pedal to the metal when the Scottish Premiership resumes on Saturday, October 16.

He told Sky Sports that he's ready to build some momentum: "The last international break wasn't kind to me and I have said to the players that if anybody gets injured on international duty don't bother coming back.

"There is no doubt that the disruptions we have had particularly with injuries have made it really difficult for us to get momentum.

"Fingers crossed we can get through this international window and do some work with the players that are out and those that need some work physically and we can use the next fortnight to set a platform to go on a bit of a run."

By cracking wise, Ange looked to relieve some tension around the break ahead but deep down he will be hoping that his international stars come through the next fortnight unscathed.

Finally, the gaffer also had a go at the critics who have been taking pot-shots at a defence that domestically has only conceded six Premiership goals so far this season.

Speaking to Broadcast, Ange said: "We defended pretty well today and you are coming away from home and they are going to create some opportunities and to concede from a set-piece was disappointing.

"I think people have merged our European games with our league games and if you look in the league we haven't conceded too many goals so I don't think that's really an issue."

Here Ange is making a plea not to conflate the two arenas of Europe and the Premiership. He feels criticism of his defence is well wide of the mark and it is something that is not giving him any cause for concern.

Both records at home and abroad are distinctly different and Ange will continue to call anybody out who says otherwise.