Seven.
A number steeped in Celtic history – immortalised by Henrik Larsson and Jimmy Johnstone and currently sported by modern-day hero, Jota.
Now, though, it carries a different kind of significance.
Seven is the number of games Celtic have left in this Scottish Premiership season. And in all likelihood, it's also the number we'll need to win if we are to retain the title.
Sunday's defeat to Dundee United was as shocking as it was deflating. It came off the back of a strong run under Martin O'Neill and has left Celtic third in a fiercely contested three-horse race.
In modern times, when have Celtic ever found themselves third in mid-March?
But then, this has been a season defined by firsts. And not the kind we would celebrate.
The first time we've gone through three managers in a single campaign. The first time a Celtic manager – Wilfried Nancy – has lost his opening four games. And surely the first time we've navigated a January transfer window without spending a penny, all while sitting on close to £70m in the bank.
As seasons go, it has been unprecedented – and not always for the right reasons.
But of course, there's one first that still matters above all others: finishing first in the Premiership table.
And that task now demands something extraordinary from O'Neill and his players.
Our longest winning run this season stands at five games, achieved during O'Neill's initial spell as interim boss. To have any chance now, that record will need to be surpassed – and under far greater pressure.
The questions are obvious.
Can Celtic rise to the occasion and rescue a title that, for some, is now looking increasingly out of reach?
Can they take maximum points from Hearts, Rangers et al, despite a season defined by inconsistency?
And having already lost eight league matches – another unwanted first this century – can they still go on to be crowned champions?
If they do, it would mark yet another unprecedented achievement in the three-points-for-a-win era.
And yet, in a season where the unexpected has become the norm, you wouldn't entirely rule it out.
Not this time. And not under O'Neill.
Tino can be found at The Celtic Exchange
