Celtic striker Saoirse Noonan believes the inability to close out games this season has been the difference between themselves and title chasing Hibs, whose dreams she hopes to dash this evening.

Ahead of the penultimate game of the season, summer signing Noonan believes her side must balance their attacking verve with knowing how to manage games.

“For me it’s just learning how to win and I think it’s actually really upsetting because some of the good football that we have played at times has gone unnoticed because you don’t win games,” said Noonan, ” I can go back to the game against Glasgow I think that first half we were well on top we played really well but they know how to win and we don’t.”

“I think that’s what’s been the difference this season. No one cares if you play badly, everyone thinks you’re brilliant if you win games. I think that’s the hardest part is that we have done some things right it’s just we haven’t got the results.”

With 23 league goals since arriving from English side Durham, Noonan has made an immediate impact in Glasgow such that the forward earned her first Ireland cap since 2021.

“I’m obviously delighted that I was able to contribute that this season but look, we’re realistic, we’re all looking at the bigger picture and we didn’t win anything this year,” she said before adding “so those goals don’t really mean anything unfortunately but it’s definitely given me a bit of self-belief and a bit of a platform to work on for next season for sure.”

Despite a recent goal drought that has now extended to six games, Noonan was praised by her manager Elena Sadiku.

“I told Saoirse that I’m very proud of her. I’m proud of how she’s developed as a leader in the team. Listen, I didn’t expect Saoirse to be our top goal scorer in the first season. I don’t think that she did either,” said Sadiku.

“She brings a lot to the team now more than just scoring goals.  I’m very proud of the journey she’s had at Celtic and I can’t wait to see more of her next season.”

However before looking to next season, Noonan expressed both her and her teammates’ desire to make life difficult for Hibs tonight.

“Part of the talk all week is that we can’t win it but we can still cause upsets and that’s so important in football you you want teams to fear you you want to leave your mark,” said Noonan.

“If we’re going to look on to building for next season we need teams to fear us so we’re not going to roll over for anyone.”