'That’s why I came here': Celtic winger Nicolas Kuhn savours title triumph

Celtic winger Nicolas Kuhn savoured a special title triumph after marking the clincher with a double that was worthy of his overall contribution.

The German has been one of the stars of Celtic’s season and twice converted assists from Daizen Maeda in Saturday’s 5-0 win over Dundee United at Tannadice.

Kuhn took his overall goal tally to 20 in all competitions, 12 of them in the league, and the 25-year-old has also provided eight assists in the Premiership.

“That’s the reason why I came here, to win trophies, and we did it again, so we’re all really happy,” the former Rapid Vienna player said.

“It’s always nice to get a title, but especially when you play a part, it’s even better.”

Kuhn’s end product had slowed in recent weeks and he made a gesture with his hand after his first goal as if to suggest his critics talked too much.

When asked who it was aimed at, he said: “Not anyone in particular, but to a lot of people. I think it was a great season already. A lot of players did a good job this season already, and I think I wasn’t too bad either.

“I don’t really read what people are saying, but I heard from some of the team-mates and stuff, so I’m just happy that we won the title, and we keep going.”

Kuhn was substituted at half-time in Celtic’s recent defeat by St Johnstone and started the next two games on the bench as the champions struck five past both Kilmarnock and the Perth side.

He was back in from the start at Tannadice and showed his worth.

“I think a small break wasn’t too bad. It’s been a long season already, and I’m happy to help the team,” he said.

“The last two games already we showed a great reaction to the St Johnstone game, and the goal was to just keep going, and score some goals.”

Celtic ended Saturday 17 points clear after Rangers were held by St Mirren but there will be no shortage of motivation for their next game, as they travel to Ibrox looking to avenge consecutive derby defeats.

Captain Callum McGregor said: “It’s hugely important and not lost on the players at all.

“Obviously we got across the line, but we know we’ve got a cup final, and we know what’s happened in the last couple of (Rangers) games, so we want to try and put that right if we can. We want to go and win the game. Very quickly the focus will shift to that.

“I know the DNA of the club, I know what it’s about, and when you lose games of football to Rangers, then it hurts. It hurts everybody.

“We’ve all pretty much been in a bad mood since then, so it’s a chance to put it right.

“There’s no way that, just because we’re champions, we’ll take it any less serious.”