Celtic boss Gordon Strachan hailed his "terrific" hat-trick hero Aiden McGeady after the winger put Falkirk to the sword at Parkhead.
McGeady added three clinical finishes to Scott McDonald's early penalty to kill off a spirited comeback from the Bairns.
The Republic of Ireland international proved the difference as the Clydesdale Bank Premier League leaders claimed their first victory in four games.
"There have been a few ones this year but I think if you add three goals to it, that's terrific," said Strachan, when asked if that was McGeady's best performance.
"But he has done that against the AC Milans of this world so he really has to be pleased with himself.
"The subtle changes have come from a wee bit of talking. We never put that much pressure on him, it's hard enough to play for this club without the manager putting that pressure on you.
"He has also built up his physique, he is non-stop for 90 minutes. It's hard going to keep beating people."
Strachan was delighted with the way McGeady linked with debutant Ryan Conroy, 20, who replaced Darren O'Dea at left-back.
The Celtic boss said: "I thought his partnership with Ryan down that side was excellent, good variation, good pace, good passing from Ryan, composure.
"We felt in the last two games our full-backs were getting on the ball a lot. Unfortunately our full-backs are centre-halves.
"Darren is going to be a great centre-half but we thought we would have someone more progressive and comfortable there."
Celtic Park looked less than half full after the champions dropped points against Hearts and St Mirren and Strachan was pleased with his team's reaction.
"It was a nervous night because we had to react," he said. "Every time there is a question asked of us we seem to answer it.
"It's been a long haul the last few games and they can be very proud of themselves."
Falkirk boss John Hughes accepted his side had been beaten by a "fantastic" McGeady performance but he wondered what might have been had referee Dougie McDonald ruled Conroy had handled a Gerard Aafjes header on the line.
"I need to see it on the television," Hughes said. "But from what I have been told it was a stonewall handball.
"That changes the game. We had a right go and maybe played a little bit open but we had nothing to lose.
"The way we have been playing, I like to come to these places and try to express ourselves."
The Republic of Ireland international proved the difference as the Clydesdale Bank Premier League leaders claimed their first victory in four games.
"There have been a few ones this year but I think if you add three goals to it, that's terrific," said Strachan, when asked if that was McGeady's best performance.
"But he has done that against the AC Milans of this world so he really has to be pleased with himself.
"The subtle changes have come from a wee bit of talking. We never put that much pressure on him, it's hard enough to play for this club without the manager putting that pressure on you.
"He has also built up his physique, he is non-stop for 90 minutes. It's hard going to keep beating people."
Strachan was delighted with the way McGeady linked with debutant Ryan Conroy, 20, who replaced Darren O'Dea at left-back.
The Celtic boss said: "I thought his partnership with Ryan down that side was excellent, good variation, good pace, good passing from Ryan, composure.
"We felt in the last two games our full-backs were getting on the ball a lot. Unfortunately our full-backs are centre-halves.
"Darren is going to be a great centre-half but we thought we would have someone more progressive and comfortable there."
Celtic Park looked less than half full after the champions dropped points against Hearts and St Mirren and Strachan was pleased with his team's reaction.
"It was a nervous night because we had to react," he said. "Every time there is a question asked of us we seem to answer it.
"It's been a long haul the last few games and they can be very proud of themselves."
Falkirk boss John Hughes accepted his side had been beaten by a "fantastic" McGeady performance but he wondered what might have been had referee Dougie McDonald ruled Conroy had handled a Gerard Aafjes header on the line.
"I need to see it on the television," Hughes said. "But from what I have been told it was a stonewall handball.
"That changes the game. We had a right go and maybe played a little bit open but we had nothing to lose.
"The way we have been playing, I like to come to these places and try to express ourselves."
Copyright (c) Press Association
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