Calm Ange Postecoglou refused to make a fuss of Celtic opening up an early Premiership advantage over Rangers.
The reigning champions were made to graft for a 2-0 victory over a much-changed Hearts side on Sunday but goals in either half from Kyogo Furuhashi and Giorgos Giakoumakis ensured they ended the weekend two points clear of their Ibrox rivals.
Nine-man Rangers slipped up at Easter Road on Saturday and Celtic didn't miss their chance to capitalise with the sides due to meet for the first time this season in two weeks' time. But Postecoglou insists he's only focusing on Celtic's performances over any early league standings. He told BBC Sportsound: "For me it's as much about the performances and in all the games we've been in control for the most part. There are still areas we need to improve and we'll keep working towards that. We've had some challenging games so far and we've handled the different challenges well."
Asked directly if he believed his team would now be difficult to shift from the summit, Postecoglou played it cool: "Well, my belief is we have another game next week that's worth three points and that's all we really focus on, because albeit for me to say it again... it is August."
Celtic next face Dundee United in seven days' time but on Thursday there's the small matter of the Champions League group stage draw. The Parkhead club are competing in the tournament proper for the first time since 2017 and are likely to be drawn against some continental heavyweights.
Names such as Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp and Carlo Ancelotti were put to Postecoglou post-match but he joked it's not them he ought to be concerned about. The Celtic boss said: "It's a big moment for our club. None of them play so I don't have to worry about them! It's the players you need to worry about.
"It's exciting for our football club. It's a while since we've been in the group stage and I'm sure on Thursday all our support will be looking at it, it'll be exciting and we're all looking forward to it."
