There were some very encouraging performances from the youngsters, but still real concerns about the lack of cutting edge and protection for Kelvin Davis.
Schneiderlin looks an excellent prospect with a great range of passing and a real presence on the field. His Le Tiss-style chip to set up a volleyed shot on goal was a delight to watch.
Gillett was tigerish alongside him, but Saints may be better employing a more experienced player in Wotten alongside one of the youngsters with the midfield duo guilty of leaving the defenders exposed on Celtic's many counter attacks.
Holmes showed good ability on the ball and some decent delivery into the box, but was let down by the lack of physical presence of Wright-Phillips and McGoldrick to get onto the end of crosses. Certainly against giant Championship defences Saints will need much more height and power at centre forward.
Fortunately, Saints have both Rasiak and John on the books and will need to hang onto one of them with both player's futures still uncertain. John showed he can play the hold up role well and score goals out of nothing and Rasiak remains the best finisher at the club, but needs the right service.
Saganowski would be another good option on the right attacking position he made his own for Poland at Euro 2008 and on form is another clinical finisher. If he can rehabilitate himself, then Dyer would offer pace and penetration down the right if he can get his final ball right and start chipping in with more goals.
It was at the back though that the major concerns remain. Surman's magical left foot is still better served in midfield and Saints are yet to find the answer to the right back connundrum with Lloyd James showing promise, but looking exposed at times.
Mills proved a livewire on the left flank getting behind the Celtic defence on several ocassions, but letting himself down with his final ball. Between Surman, Mills and indeed Perry there may just be enough cover at left back.
The ideal solution would be to complete the deal to get Baird back on loan to cover right and centre back, with just wages thought to be the stumbling block in making this happen.
Thomas and Perry had a partnership to forget in the first half, but Svensson proved a steadying influence with a tantalising reminder of his talents even at well short of 100%. If Saints can get Davies back and fit and Svensson back playing regularly then there is cause for optimism.
Kelvin Davis again proved the doubters wrong with an excellent display that showed the importance of having an experienced keeper to tidy up mistakes in front of him.
Lallana was lively behind McGoldrick, but still needs to bulk up to make the most of his undoubted ability on the ball if he is going to play in the centre of the park. Euell showed he remains a viable option in this position and adds strength and experience.
The right option may be that if Lallana plays, so does Saganowski or Dyer and if Euell plays, so do Wright-Phillips or Dyer.
So, there were many encouraging signs from from the youngsters in terms of ability and movement, but Saints need to get the balance right in terms of partnering youth with experience at both ends of the fields.
It's early days, but a tentative starting line-up is emerging on this display, fitness permitting:
Davis
Thomas (Baird) Davies Svensson Surman
Wotten Schneiderlin
Lallana
Saganowski Holmes
Rasiak