St Mirren defender Declan Gallagher feels he is "back in love with the game' after the Buddies defeated Celtic 2-0.

The Scotland international, who had a tough season last year at Aberdeen, thinks he is now back to his best.

Stephen Robinson's side were deserving winners against the Scottish champions and the 31-year-old says the manager needs to take a lot of credit for how the team have turned their fortunes round.

Speaking to The Sun, he said: “When the gaffer came in last season, he tried to make the team hard to beat and managed to get a few clean sheets before the campaign ended.

"He put that foundation in place and brought it into this year.

“He believed if we could be solid at the back, we had boys at the top end who could hurt teams on the counter-attack, and that’s exactly what has happened.

"I’m delighted to be able to help, especially after last season’s disappointment at Aberdeen.

“Am I back in love with the game? I would say so.

“For whatever reason it didn’t work at Aberdeen, but I knew coming here, working under the gaffer again, he would help me find my form."

The ex-Livingston man explained how the Northern Irishman and himself have an understanding which has allowed his game to develop.

He continued: "I know what he wants and expects, and that’s exactly why I came here.

“I knew he’d get the best out of me, and my performances have been good so far.

“I didn’t fear that I couldn’t get back to the levels I showed at Livingston and Motherwell.

"Last season was a bad year, but I always knew how good  I could be. I’m playing for a manager who is loyal to me, and I’m getting back to my best."

Gallagher was an important part of the team that defeated the Bhoys in what proved to be The Buddies' first home league victory over Ange Postecoglou's side for more than 10 years.

"After the game we realised what we had achieved — a first home win over Celtic in 12 years," he commented.

“During the game you don’t think about it. You have a job to do and you just get on with it.