A late free kick from Filip Twardzik earned Celtic three precious points in a frustrating lunchtime encounter with St Mirren at Lennoxtown.
Twardzik and Dylan McGeough returned to the side after missing last weeks win at Dundee United thanks to a Tony Watt header.
With the clock ticking away Celtic were awarded a free kick 25 yards from the St Mirren goal.
Twardzik stepped up confidently and clipped a low left footed free-kick around the wall and low into the net to keep Celtic on the trasil of leaders Hearts.
The visitors were content to defend in depth but did come close to a shock in the 62nd minute when a snap shot from Smith came off the cross bar.
The match followed a similar pattern to last week’s trip to Dundee United where Celtic enjoyed a massive advantage in terms of possession without being able to break through a well drilled defence.
Former Celt Michael Fulton was at the heart of the Saints defence and enjoyed great support from his team-mates as they kept Celtic at bay.
John Kennedy’s side were restricted to a few long range attempts on goal but found the visiting keeper in top form.
There were few chances in the first half with Celtic struggling to find space or break down the Saints defence.
The same pattern continued after the break with Celtic being forced to play down the wings with St Mirren packing out the centre of the park.
Callum McGregor came close with a few long range efforts but it was looking like a frustrating stalemate until Twardzik stepped up to net in the 82nd minute.
CELTIC Fasan; Fraser, Jones (Atajic), Irvine, Chalmers; McGeough, F Twardzik, McGregor, Herron, P Twardzik: Watt
SUBS: Trialist, Alabi, Johnstone, Findlay, Kidd, Fisher
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