analysis Defiant performance sets up Lennon's men for Motherwell test, writes Hugh MacDonald

After the hors d’oeuvres of a Europa League group tie, Celtic face a meaty Sunday lunch against a side that leads them in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

They will go there with a healthy appetite for the battle. The tie against Rennes last night gave Celtic three points in Group I of the Europa League but it served more importantly as a strong indicator that this Parkhead side still has the ability to fight for the cause.

The intrigue last night was not about what team would challenge for European honours next year, rather it was scanned for signs of life or frailty among those wearing a green shirt.

An early diagnosis would have been deeply depressing for Celtic with the side managing to lose, yet again, a headed goal from a corner before two minutes had elapsed, but this revamped XI somehow managed to show there were still signs of life, still a desire to win a match.

The two goals by Anthony Stokes that turned the match in Celtic’s favour seemed a long way away at 8.10pm but by half-time Celtic were not only ahead but basking in the raucous roars of a support who were not only overjoyed but more than mildly surprised at the turn of events. The third goal from substitute Gary Hooper produced scenes of unmitigated joy.

It was not just the result that was heartening to the support. More crucially, it was the ability of the players to sustain a blow and then fight back powerfully.

The turnaround was a result of a defiance that has been missing in Celtic ranks of late. It was epitomised by Georgios Samaras. Now, Samaras and defiance normally go together as often as Dale Winton and ultimate fighting or directors and pay restraint. But the Greek was full of a wonderful industry last night, particularly in a dramatic first 45 minutes.

Neil Lennon was forced though injury and lack of form to pick an unusual line-up. There was nothing more odd, however, than the realisation that Samaras was putting in a shift that would have impressed a workaholic.

From his wide left position, he won every header. There was also a moment when he tracked back and launched a sliding tackle that conceded a corner. The subsequent delivery into the box drifted to the back post and there was the bold Georgios to throw his body on the line and block a shot.

There were more recognisable Samaras moments, such as the time he raced past two defenders and sclaffed the ball ineffectually towards the bye-line. However, the Greek served as a rallying point for a Celtic side that was under pressure before it stepped on to the pitch. He made two of the three goals.

Stokes, in contrast, was almost anonymous, save for scoring two goals. The first was an easy finish from Benoit Costil’s sloppy save from a James Forrest drive and the second was a good finish after an excellent Samaras header freed him down the channel.

The Irishman’s may not have been conspicuous in open play but he took his goals with the aplomb of the assured finisher. Celtic Park was grateful for that certainty because there was enduring evidence of nervousness among the ranks.

However, as the match progressed there were signs of a Celtic heart that was still beating strongly. There were still trials to be endured. Glenn Loovens did not return for the second half and 17-year-old Marcus Fraser was forced to make his competitive debut in challenging circumstances.

Rennes, too, sensed that there was still something to be extracted from the match but there was a resilience about Celtic that owed more to sheer will than to disciplined defending.

Substitute Yousouff Hadji, for example, was denied by two excellent if desperate staves by Fraser Forster but the Celic fans responded to their team’s appetite for the battle.

There was a roar when Kris Commons, the prodigal son, returned and there were scenes of pandemonium when Hooper fastened on to a Samaras cross to slip the ball past Costil.

The nervousness among the fans then dissipated in songs of praise with mass huddles taking place around the stadium. It was Rennes who succumbed to a weary disarray. Yann M’Vila was sent off after collecting his second yellow card and Celtic saw out the match comfortably.

The battle had been won long before referee Bruno Paixao blew the final whistle. The trials of Motherwell await but the Celtic players made their case for the manager last night with a primitive and convincing power. They merely have to do this again and again and again . . .