Substitute Leigh Griffiths struck a second-half hat-trick to help Celtic to a 4-1 win over Kilmarnock at Parkhead this evening in the Scottish Premiership.
John Guidetti was fouled on the edge of the area to give the home side a good chance from a free kick, but the Swedish striker could only fire straight at the wall before Kris Commons's dangerous cross was cleared on 20 minutes.
Commons's crossing again caused Kilmarnock problems and Mark O'Hara had to be alert to thwart James Forrest after another teasing delivery from the former Nottingham Forest midfielder.
Emilio Izaguirre delivered a cross towards Scott Brown before the half-hour mark, but the midfielder couldn't direct his header on target as Ronny Deila's men continued to press for the opening goal.
Kilmarnock netted with their first shot on target thanks to Darryl Westlake's effort five minutes into the second period.
Commons levelled things up eight minutes later however, when he hooked a shot into the corner from the edge of the box.
Substitute Griffiths gave the champions the advantage on 65 minutes when he headed home from Commons's cross at the back post.
The pair teamed up once again on 70 minutes but Griffiths's fierce volley flew wide of the goal as Deila's men looked to extend their lead.
Griffiths then wrapped the points up inside the final 10 minutes when he hammered home with a powerful left-footed effort off the post, before netting his third of evening with five minutes remaining.
The win leaves Celtic eight points clear of Aberdeen in the division.
Paul Gorst
