Watch Forster’s world class save and referee McLean’s shocker

Not for the first time Fraser Forster and Gary Hooper were the men who mattered as Celtic moved nine points clear at the top of the SPL following the 1-0 win over Motherwell.

Both men are in their third season at Celtic and have made a massive contribution to the success of Neil Lennon’s side with the new year seeing the hoops in contention for four trophies.

After a promising start to the day the failure to make an early breakthrough seemed to sap the energy from the home side.

Motherwell were happy to soak up the pressure and attack on the break where their pace caused some concern for the Celtic defence although Forster was rarely called into action.

Celtic made their first chance in the 72^nd minute when Tony Watt replaced Beram Kayal but four minutes later referee Steven McLean awarded Motherwell a penalty when Jamie Murphy tumbled in the box.

Kelvin Wilson and Gary Parker both described the challenge as a stonewaller but the video footage suggested that Wilson pulled out of the challenge with Murphy already on his way to the deck.

After booking Victor Wanyama, McLean showed the arrogance that has taken him to the top of Scottish football by booking Forster for informing him that the ball wasn’t properly placed on the penalty spot.

Without even a glance at the ball McLean booked the Celtic keeper who then pulled off a fabulous save to turn Tom Hateley’s shot around the post for a corner.

Three minutes later Celtic broke with pace down the left with Hooper converting Georgios Samaras’ low cross into the net from eight yards out.

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