Bittersweet award for Martin after ‘lazy leg’ own goal sinks Hamilton

helpless and put Celtic 2-0 up at a stage when the game remained in the balance, didn’t prevent his overall efforts being recognised by the sponsors of the home team’s topman prize.

The 21-year-old midfielder, who joined Accies from Hibernian at the start of this season, was able to see the funny side afterwards. “It was a bit strange when that was announced,” admitted Martin. “The rest of the lads are asking me if it was my Dad who selected the man of the match!

“It’s a bittersweet moment, to be fair. I support Celtic, so to get the man of the match award against them, from whoever picked it, is a privilege. It was a real privilege to be on the same pitch as some of those Celtic players.

“But I’ve got to hold my hands up for the second goal. I’ve thrown up a bit of a lazy leg at the ball and that’s what has put Gary Woods off. I’ve told the boys that one is down to me.

“I don’t think it goes in if I don’t touch it. It was one of those situations where I felt if I got enough contact on th ball I could clear it. But it was just lazy leg, so I have apologised for that

In-form Ryan Christie’s fourth goa in his last six outings for Celtic ha given Brendan Rodgers’ side an earl lead, the attacking midfielder finish ing off a clever corner routine involv ing Callum Mcgregor and Odsonn Edouard.

Hamilton, while posing no attack ing threat of their own, hung i grimly after that to retain hope o snatching something from the con test until Martin’s unfortunat intervention.

“Celtic upped the gears in the sec ond half when we started to tire a bit added Martin. “I thought the boy gave a good account of themselves We stuck in the game until the secon goal went in.

“It was similar to the plan we ha against Rangers at home a few week ago, to try and frustrate them, nic the ball as high as we can and the break. We stuck to the game pla