Defender Mikael Lustig feels Celtic’s homegrown talent have been key in helping the club get back on track after a rocky start to the campaign.

The Bhoys made an unusually slow start to the 2018-19 campaign as they dropped points in three of their opening five Premiership outings.

But five wins from the following six games has helped them to climb to the top of the standings as they head off for the international break.

Celtic, who are priced at 1.13 to win the Premiership, have been reliant on their homegrown stars over the last few weeks following injuries to some key figures.

The likes of James Forrest, Kieran Tierney, Ryan Christie and Callum McGregor have stepped up to the plate and Lustig feels it is crucial for the fans to see local talent come to the fore.

Lustig said: “It’s not just lately. For as long as they have been playing they have made a contribution. Of course, as a fan you want to see people who have been raised at the club.

“To have players such as KT, Cal and Jamesie brought up with the club at heart is massive. They know everything about the club and can pass that on to others coming into the system from other teams or abroad.

“Even when he was not in the team I’ve always said Cal was one of the most important players in the squad and now he’s in there and starting every game.

“James has been flying and when he’s on form there’s no better player in Scotland in my view. KT is KT. He is never going to have a bad game. “Now you can add Ryan to that list. He’s been brilliant.”