Glasgow, Scotland (My Sportsbook) - Celtic started the season with a 1-0 win over St. Mirren on Sunday, but it was by no means a vintage performance by the three-time defending Scottish Premier League champions.

It took a penalty kick by Barry Robson just after the hour mark to separate the teams. If Billy Mehmet's shot for the visitors just after halftime had gone in rather than come back off the post, St. Mirren would have been in position to post a shocking upset.

St. Mirren was so close to taking the lead just after the break. A flowing move ended with Tom Brighton's pass finding Mehmet, whose strike on the turn hit the post before Stephen O'Donnell's effort from the rebound was deflected wide.

Celtic increased the tempo after the scare and Gary Caldwell's header from Lee Naylor's free kick was well-saved by St. Mirren goalie Mark Howard.

Central defenders Will Haining and John Potter, who had played so well up to that stage, then got themselves in a tangle which allowed Celtic striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink to advance on goal. As the Celtic striker shot, he was pulled back by Haining, who was sent off.

Robson's well-struck penalty was bravely blocked by Howard but had just crossed the line before being hooked clear.

St. Mirren never gave up trying for an equalizer and O'Donnell flashed his shot just wide and substitute Marc McAusland headed high.

Celtic also had chances to increase its lead but in the end Robson's penalty was enough to give Gordon Strachan's side a winning start to their campaign.

Hamilton plays Dundee United on Monday to wrap up the season's opening games.

(Courtesy of sportbox.tv)