I said last week that Ange Postecoglou was perfectly positioned to become the first manager since 1994 to play his first ever derby at Ibrox, and win. While that didn’t work out the way we had hoped, I think it’s safe to say that most of us are in agreement that it’s not the end of the world.

As a Celtic supporter, there’s little more frustrating and annoying than losing to Rangers, but last week’s defeat feels distinctly different from any other.

As the referee blew the final whistle, I was struck by the urge to header the TV with the ferocity of Bobo Balde. Angry at chances missed, a stupid goal conceded and an inability to turn up when it mattered.

However, when the dust had settled, I was left feeling more encouraged than despondent.

There are countless performance and squad related issues that have rightly been highlighted, with detailed analysis and opinion offered by the bucketload immediately after the game.

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There’s no point in me regurgitating them here, filling an already cacophonous sphere with more of the same. I’m not denying the negatives, they most definitely exist, but they’re not as fatal as they once were. Allow me to reflect on the positives instead.

Ange Postecoglou has been manager for only nine weeks, in which time, we’ve seen an unrecognisable team playing some thrilling football. Relentless pressing and hounding of the opposition, intoxicating attacking play and a coherence that had long been a distant memory.

From individual improvements to collective performance overhaul, Ange has achieved an incredible amount in what is a nanosecond in football terms. The fans have unequivocally expressed their appreciation and the previously fractured relationship between them and the team has been improved beyond anyone’s short-term expectations.

He’s basked in the adoration of the Celtic support, not just for the way his team plays, but the way he represents himself and the club. That support over the next few months will ensure that he continues improving the team in the fashion that he has already.

Even in the exasperation of defeat at Ibrox, we were able to appreciate his candour and honesty when discussing his side’s failure to get the job done. Honest analysis, genuine self-assessment and refusing to shirk responsibility for what turned out to be a disheartening afternoon for everyone of a green & white persuasion.

We lost the game for a variety of reasons, and ultimately we didn’t do enough. Same old, same old, it seemed. But this time, things were different.

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We had the lion’s share of the ball, created some terrific chances and showed signs of the dynamic side we’ve very quickly become expectant of. That we didn’t do enough to bury those chances and put the game out of sight, is down to a multitude of reasons, bad luck, a lack of clinical decision making, players overwhelmed by the fixture and others. With time and the right management, those issues will be ironed out. And time is exactly what the Celtic support will give to the manager.

We’re under no illusions about the immensity of the task on Ange’s hands, but he’s already way ahead of schedule and picking up pace every week.

With the departure of players no longer committed to the cause and some more fresh blood through the door, we’ll see an even bigger improvement in performances and results. The continuation of the unity and support from the fans will ensure that we get there even quicker.

"Being a Celtic supporter is not always easy, but it is always worthwhile”, said Fergus McCann.

Ange is the man to remind you just how worthwhile it really is.