Watch Mackay-Steven and Armstrong back on the goal trail

Fifty one weeks after joining Celtic in a £2m double deal from Dundee United Stuart Armstrong and Gary Mackay-Steven were back on the scoresheet against St Johnstone.

The win restored Celtic’s six point advantage over Aberdeen with the top two meeting at Pittodrie on February 3 in a match that will have a big bearing on the title race.

After their flying start to life at Celtic Mackay-Steven and Armstrong have been under par in recent months, contributing just two goals all season going into yesterday’s match.

With Scott Allan and Ryan Christie adding more competition to the battle for midfield places the former Dundee United duo have staked their claim for places in the coming weeks.

Armstrong’s goal was his first since hitting a double against Inverness Caley Thistle in August with the midfielder pleased to be back on the score-sheet.

“You could probably see the relief on my face when the ball went in,” he admitted. “It’s just nice to be back playing well and winning games and being part of a good Celtic team right now.

“Right now it’s back to basics and concentrating on what I can do to help the team. It’s about keeping calm, working on the things you need to work on and the performances will come.”

Before heading to Pittodrie Celtic have the small matter of a League Cup semi-final against Ross County next Sunday.

The highland side returned to winning ways at Motherwell yesterday with Jackson Irvine opening the scoring in the 2-1 win at Fir Park.

Irvine suffered a broken nose during the match but returned to the pitch after treatment to help his side to full points and into fourth place, one point above St Johnstone.