For the second game running Celtic struck within sixty seconds with Leigh Griffiths finding the net at St Johnstone.
Timing his run perfectly onto a precision pass from Nir Bitton the striker tucked his shot into the centre of the net showing the instinct for goal common to all great strikers.
Griffiths had a couple of other chances to add to the scoreline in the first half but Celtic had to wait until 10 minutes into the second half to extend their lead.
Bursting into the penalty box Stefan Johansen wasn’t to be denied his third goal in as many games as he shrugged aside a couple of defenders to fire into the net.
It should have been a routine win after that but when Michael O’Halloran pulled a goal back in the 72nd minute the points were back in the balance.
Only an amazing double save from Craig Gordon ensured that Celtic recorded their eighth consecutive win ahead of Thursday’s Europa League tie with Inter Milan.
Kris Commons could be back in contention for the visit of the Italians but with Gary Mackay-Steven and Stuart Armstrong settling in quickly Ronny Deila’s biggest decision is who to leave out.
Leigh Griffiths seems certain to lead from the front with Scott Brown and Nir Bitton the obvious choices for the key midfield holding roles.
With Johansen a first pick on the team-sheet Deila has half a dozen contenders for the two remaining places which should ensure that training at Lennoxtown is lively enough ahead of Thursday’s match.
