Neil Lennon has hailed his Celtic players for responding to the "choice words" he delivered after their recent defeat to St Mirren.
The Premiership champions went down 2-1 to the Saints the last time the sides faced last month but have won both of their matches since, heading into Wednesday's rematch.
Their Parkhead defeat to Jim Goodwin's team was one Lennon describes as "the lowest point" of his time as Celtic manager, and he let his players know about it in the dressing room afterwards.
Speaking in his press conference ahead of Wednesday's meeting in Paisley, the boss praised their resilience in bouncing back from their latest setback.
He said: "The previous two performances have been very good.
"It is difficult to put my finger on the performance against St Mirren, we just didn't seem to have that zip about us at all and we lacked concentration at times as well.
"I had a few choice words, that was all. I told them I was bitterly disappointed.
"I haven't had to do that many times in my second spell (as boss) and I've had a good reaction so far.
"Obviously the game has come around quickly and I am looking for a far better performance than we got at Celtic Park and build on the two recent performances."
Lennon is cognisant of the challenges presented to his players by life during the Covid-19 crisis.
The former Celtic captain said: "It is a huge balancing act. When I said I had some choice words, that was to the group, as a collective, not to any particular individual.
"We reminded them of their responsibilities and that the performance was unacceptable.
"The bottom line is that is my job and when they fall below the standards we set, you have to give them a jag now and again."
Lennon welcomed back winger James Forrest to training following his recovery from ankle surgery, having last played in September away to Riga.
He said: "Jamesy Forrest is back in training but obviously tomorrow night is too soon for him. So that's a welcome boost to the squad.
"Shane Duffy had a bit of a bug in the last couple of days but trained today so he should be available for selection. Ryan Christie is fit and back in the squad as well."
