Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers believes that his team is hitting their stride just when it matters most - stating "this is the part of the season we are excited about".

The Hoops produced a scintillating second half performance to defeat St Mirren at Parkhead this afternoon.

Stephen Robinson’s visitors had held Celtic to a half-time stalemate, before goals from Reo Hatate, Kyogo Furuhashi and Adam Idah ensured Rodgers' men move four points clear at the Scottish Premiership summit. 

Fellow title contenders, Rangers, face Ross County in the early Sunday kick-off.

And Rodgers thinks that his Celtic team are in a favourable position as they head into the final five post-split fixtures. However, he acknowledges that there is still a considerable distance to cover and they must remain laser-focused.

Speaking to BBC Sportsound following the final whistle, the Celtic boss said: "We showed immense courage at Ibrox last week and did that again today. I think this is where Celtic come alive as a club.

"We have five leagues game to go and obviously a trip to Hampden next weekend. This is the part of the season we are excited about.

"There is still a long, long way to go. We will have to see what the fixtures bring. But I am pleased that we have found this level at this time of the season."

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There were some disgruntled punters at the break, with Celtic struggling to find a breakthrough. 

Asked if it required some strong words in the dressing room after watching that first 45, Rodgers explained what he told his players to spark an improved showing and win the match. 

“It was nothing overboard," the Northern Irishman revealed. "I felt in the first half we were a little bit passive in our pressing and counter-pressing. When you’re like that then, with the ball, it’s not quite so aggressive.

“We arrived into the final third on numerous occasions and didn’t keep it well enough to combine and sustain the attack. Or we arrived or tried to get in too early.

“It was just a case of highlighting the patience of the game and maintaining the speed of the game. Once we got the goal early in the second half, the combinations were there. It’s a great finish by Reo.

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“These types of games, when the team are sat in, compact, tight and very well organised, then the first goal is absolutely critical. We got that early in the half and the players were then outstanding for the remainder.

“It’s a huge credit to the players. You saw an injection of speed and tempo. Everything started to connect much cleaner and better.”