IT may have seemed implausible after a start to the season that yielded three defeats from six matches, but Celtic smashed through the 30 domestic games unbeaten barrier with their win over Dundee United on Monday night, their second-longest unbeaten run in 29 years.

The remarkable sequence has already seen them tuck away the League Cup, and they sit proudly atop the Premiership by three points to second-placed Rangers as a result too.

Ange Postecoglou knew it would take a feat like that long undefeated stretch in order to get to such a position of strength, with the Celtic manager now laying down the challenge to his players to maintain it.

And if they can overtake the longest unbeaten run – the 69 games racked up by Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic team – then all the better. Just another 40 games to go.

“There’s nothing bad about that – it gives you something to aim for,” Postecoglou said.

“I think what’s more important is we have to continue to improve as a team. We are taking our first steps and it’s only been nine months.

“But this has given us a good platform to improve. I’m sure there are more challenges ahead and we need to tackle them in the same way we have so far.

“I don’t discount it. That’s why I am so proud of everyone’s efforts. I don’t know which teams have been on these runs but I’d bet they were a lot more settled than we’ve been.

“You have got to add in the fact this is a brand new team that’s had some major disruptions.

“To put together a run like that in those circumstances is every more credit to the players.

“You kind of focus on the game by game stuff but I was well aware after the start we had – when we lost three of the first six – that we’ve have to be pretty good from then on if we were going to challenge this year.

“Potentially you can only lose four of five games a season if you want to be competing for a title.

“We knew we had to be very consistent and credit to the players. We haven’t done it easy.

“We’ve had significant injuries and a fair few disruptions along the way. So for the players to consistently deal with that twice weekly challenge in the league and the cups has been outstanding.

“It’s important for us to reflect on what’s got us to this point is that we haven’t looked too far ahead.

“We haven’t worried too much about where we are, we’ve tackled each game on its merits.

“It’ll be the same tomorrow [against Ross County].”

Long unbeaten runs like this one aren’t as rare in Postecoglou’s career as you might think, with the Australian managing 36 games without a loss when he was manager of Brisbane Roar.

The circumstances and the pressure may be different at Celtic, but it is a similar approach that has yielded a similar result.

“That was decent,” he said. “That was a challenge as well because you have the salary cap down there, which is meant to equalise the competition. That’s why teams don’t go on long unbeaten runs, as you can’t outspend the opposition.

“That was a great run and if I reflect on it, it was a similar scenario where we didn’t look too far ahead.

“We embraced each challenge that came our way and we had success that followed.”

The next challenge for Postecoglou and Celtic is a visit from Malky Mackay’s Ross County side today, with the Staggies going well as they hunt down a place in the top six.

On paper, it should be a straightforward home win, but Postecoglou isn’t taking anything for granted against a team that have impressed him of late.

“I think Malky has done a great job,” he said. “If you look at the way they started the season, most people would have written them off.

“He’s built a really strong stable unit and he’s got some threats up front who score goals. They are in good form and I’m sure they are eyeing a top six berth now.

“They are a good challenge for us. It was similar for us against Livingston. When you face teams on a good run of form it’s important we bring our own sort of energy and tempo to the game.

“When we’ve done that we’ve managed to overcome the challenges.

“We’ve on the back of a couple of tough away games where we did well and we’re home again and the boys are looking forward to it.”

Postecoglou is delighted to once again have David Turnbull available for selection after the midfielder pulled a hamstring in the League Cup final win over Hibernian in December, increasing his options in the attacking area of the field.

“(Liel) Abada and Jota have trained all week and they are fine,” he said.

“David Turnbull is available, which is great, but Jamesie Forrest got a bit of a knock the other night. It’s nothing serious but it’ll keep him out this weekend.

“It’s massive having Turnbull back. He was fantastic for us in the first half of the year and really set up our season.

“It was disappointing for him to get such a significant injury. He’s worked really hard in rehab and the last few weeks he’s been itching for the opportunity.

“I’ve probably been a bit conservative with him but he’s ready to go now. He’ll be a great asset for us, he provides a helluva lot He’s a goal threat, he’s good on set pieces, he’s a very good footballer.

“We’re looking forward to having him back.”