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Celtic manager Martin O'Neill described Chris Sutton as "immense" after the versatile striker shone as an emergency central defender in the 1-0 win at Scottish champions Rangers on Saturday.
With defenders Johan Mjallby and Joos Valgaeren injured and Bobo Balde suspended, the Englishman performed admirably in defence as Rangers failed to recover from John Hartson's deflected goal 18 seconds into the second half.
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"Sutton was immense and has played three positions for us in the space
of two games," said O'Neill of a player he signed for 6.0 million pounds
($10.02 million) from Chelsea three years ago. Ticketmaster
The win ensured Celtic leapfrogged Rangers into first place in the Scottish premier league on 22 points from eight games, with their city rivals one point behind.
Sutton was on the scoresheet in Celtic's 2-0 Champions League win over Olympique Lyon on Tuesday and has now played in defence, midfield and attack for the Glasgow side this season.
"I have the utmost regard for Sutton and he has proved his worth," O'Neill told reporters.
"He played just off the front on Tuesday and then scored when he went up front, but he was outstanding at the back today against some real quality players.
"Despite Rangers having plenty of possession we looked more likely to score and once we got the goal, we thought we could have added to it." Ticketmaster
HORRIBLE WEEKEND
Sutton was not told he was playing in defence until Saturday morning and felt Celtic were worthy of the win.
"Bobo was a massive loss for us and everyone was concerned about coming here without him, but we coped," Sutton said.
Rangers manager Alex McLeish was philosophical as he reflected on the end of his side's 100 percent league record.
"There was not enough penetration from us and Celtic really do have decent tactics when they hit on the break through John Hartson and Henrik Larsson," he said.
"We didn't have enough shots on goal and were too methodical at times.
"It will be a horrible, horrible weekend but we just have to learn from this and be a wee bit more ruthless especially here at Ibrox."