Spot-on Robson knows he has to fight for Celtic jersey

Barry Robson propelled to their first three points of the season against St Mirren yesterday but still refuses to accept he has become a first pick.

The midfielder, who weighed in with key goals in the title run-in, netted a vital penalty at Parkhead to see off Gus MacPherson's side.

Robson was moved to the right flank for the season opener, with Scott Brown starting alongside Paul Hartley in central midfield. 

Killer blow: Robson leaves Howard helpless from the penalty spot

But the competition for places ahead of Sunday's visit to Tannadice is set to intensify, with Shunsuke Nakamura close to fitness and Barcelona midfielder Marc Crosas added to the squad after signing a four-year contract.

'I still don't think of myself as I am a first-team regular here,' said Robson. 'I have to work hard every day to stay in the team. The manager has plenty of options. 'There was a fair bit of emotion attached to the day and we were not at our best. But you must credit St Mirren because they played well.

'We had a good pre-season and hoped to play better but we will get sharper. Other teams have improved and are not concerned about the Old Firm's reputation.'

Boss Gordon Strachan was less than impressed with his side's performance, claiming only four Celtic players played well. 

He declined to name those individuals but admitted the display fell below even last season's first day, which ended goalless at home at Kilmarnock. 'We have had four opening games since I arrived at Celtic and that was the least effective or enjoyable,' said Strachan.

'At the end of the season, the result could be vital to us. At this moment, the performance is what you look at. 'We seemed a bit low-key. We had four good players on the day and that is not enough to deliver a good Celtic performance. I've told those four who they are.

'I would not say it was tight because I didn't think St Mirren would score. But it could have been a draw and we were not too effective. You would think that the flag day and unveiling a new player would inspire the team. You would think they would have enjoyed the atmosphere.

'I will see how we play in the next couple of weeks and see if that was just a one-off. 'We played far better here against Killie last season and drew 0-0. We moved the ball well that day and made a number of chances.

'You always analyse the way your team plays and we must do better.

'I've no problem with opponents sitting in. St Mirren should be congratulated on the way they played and we did not have the imagination to break them down.'

Lee Naylor had to come off midway through the second half but Strachan did not seem too concerned.

'Lee took a knock when he was just starting to drive at St Mirren,' said the Celtic manager.