Strachan was not impressed by his side against St Mirren at Celtic Park

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan was in a less than victorious mood after his side started the defence of the Scottish title by beating St Mirren.

"We had four good players," he said of the 1-0 win. "The team performance wasn't as good as expected.

"It doesn't feel like a win because we should be doing better than that."

Strachan tempered criticism over the award of the winning penalty by claiming Celtic should have had one just beforehand.

Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink was challenged by Saints goalkeeper Mark Howard.

Unfurling the flag maybe takes the edge off the game Celtic manager Gordon Strachan

"We could have had one five minutes before and we didn't bother, because it was sucking the life out of us on the bench, that game," he said.

"Speaking to the lads on the St Mirren bench, they definitely thought it was a penalty."

Celtic won the game when Barry Robson scored from the spot after Will Haining was sent off having been adjudged to have fouled Vennegoor of Hesselink.

The champions had celebrated last season's title win before kick-off.

"Unfurling the flag maybe takes the edge off the game," suggested Strachan.