Anthony Stokes bagged a brace as Celtic registered a 2-0 half-time lead over Inverness Caledonian Thistle at Parkhead this afternoon.

The Republic of Ireland international found the breakthrough on 34 minutes by nodding a Leigh Griffiths cross past goalkeeper Dean Brill.

Stokes secured his second of the afternoon on the stroke of half time, converting Griffiths's cut-back pass to give Neil Lennon's side a healthy lead at the break.

The Bhoys dominated the early exchanges but came closest to opening the scoring on 15 minutes, as Kris Commons forced Brill into a smart save.

With chances at a premium for John Hughes's men, the visitors were forced to try their luck from distance and Andrew Shinnie blazed narrowly over the bar from distance.