Liam Scales’ first-half strike proved decisive as Celtic overcame Kilmarnock at Celtic Park to restore their four-point advantage at the top of the William Hill Premiership.
Martin O’Neill’s side secured a third consecutive victory across all competitions, but this was far from a straightforward afternoon for the Scottish champions.
Fresh from Thursday night’s thrilling 3-2 Europa League victory over Beşiktaş, Celtic returned to domestic action knowing three points were important ahead of the international break.
However, the hosts were given an early warning when Kilmarnock threatened inside the opening minute. Tom Lowery was denied twice by Sam Johnstone, who produced an excellent double save to keep Celtic level.
Celtic thought they had broken the deadlock in the 13th minute when Kasper Høgh finished from close range following Benjamin Nygren’s pass. However, referee John Beaton was sent to the pitchside monitor and subsequently ruled out the goal for a foul by Mika Baur on Greg Kiltie in the build-up.
The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 26th minute.
Camilo Durán delivered an inviting cross into the penalty area, with Liam Scales producing an excellent improvised finish to hook the ball beyond Nico Mantl and into the top corner.
It was another important contribution from the defender, who continues to deliver significant moments for O’Neill’s side.
Kilmarnock remained competitive, with Michael Schjønning-Larsen testing Johnstone, but Celtic went into the interval with a narrow advantage.
The second half saw Celtic enjoy greater control and create several opportunities to extend their lead.
Colby Donovan came close shortly after the restart, while Durán, Høgh and Yang Hyun-jun all had opportunities to put the result beyond doubt.
Celtic were handed an excellent opportunity to make it 2-0 in the 75th minute when Aaron Tshibola was penalised for handball following a VAR review.
Nygren stepped up to take the penalty, but Mantl guessed correctly and produced an important save to keep Kilmarnock in the contest.
The visitors almost made Celtic pay in stoppage time when Erik Ring delivered a dangerous low cross across the six-yard box, but Ieuan Owen was unable to make contact.
Celtic ultimately held on to secure all three points and maintain their position at the summit of the Premiership.
While the performance lacked some of the attacking fluency displayed against Beşiktaş, the result represents another important step for O’Neill’s side as they head into the international break.
The verdict
Celtic will be pleased with the three points and another clean sheet, but there will be an acknowledgement that the game should have been put beyond Kilmarnock long before the closing stages.
Scales was once again outstanding, while Durán’s contribution proved decisive.
For Kilmarnock, there were encouraging spells and a late opportunity to snatch a point, but they ultimately leave Glasgow empty-handed.
Celtic remain four points clear at the top of the Premiership, with Rangers their closest challengers.
