Sam Johnstone’s double save against Kilmarnock deserves more attention after the goalkeeper helped Celtic avoid another afternoon spent chasing the game.

Liam Scales scored the winner, but Johnstone’s contribution came before Celtic had properly settled.

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It was a significant early escape for a Celtic side that ultimately won by a single goal.

Martin O’Neill made a point of recognising it afterwards.

“Sam Johnstone made a double save for us in the first 90 seconds of the game,” he told CelticPlayer.

Celtic have needed their goalkeeper to deliver in those moments. Over the past two matches, Johnstone has done exactly that.

He saved Junior Olaitan’s penalty against Beşiktaş on Thursday, although the visiting midfielder reached the rebound to score. The outcome should not obscure the quality of the initial stop.

On Sunday, Johnstone completed both parts of the job. His first save kept Lowery out; his second prevented the loose ball from becoming a goal.

That is encouraging progress after an uncertain start to his Celtic spell.

Viljami Sinisalo had established himself in the side before O’Neill gave Johnstone a sustained opportunity. The manager said in late October that he still needed time to decide who would hold the position longer term.

Johnstone is now strengthening his case through performances. His vocal presence offers something to the defence, but the most persuasive evidence is what happens when opponents get through.

There are still improvements Celtic need to make in front of him. Allowing Kilmarnock such a clear opening almost immediately was another reminder of that. But when the defence was breached, Johnstone was ready. Without those two early saves, Sunday could have become a considerably more difficult afternoon.