The Ox strikes- watch full highlights of Celtic 2-1 Livingston

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain struck a vital late winning goal on his Celtic debut.

The former England internationalist replace Julian Araujo in the 78th minute with the match tied at 1-1.

The plan would have been for Celtic to be two goals up allowing Oxlade-Chamberlain to get a 20 or 30 minute run. His first competitive football since May. That script never turned up.

CELTIC FAILING TO CONVERT

Celtic pounded Livingston in the opening 20 minutes but only had a Marcello Saracchi goal to show for their efforts.

In the 57th minute Robbie Muirhead equalised from the penalty spot. Time started to tick away from Celtic, there was anxiety and concern in the stands.

Oxlade-Chamberlain moved into central midfield with Reo Hatate switching to right-back.

Livingston were camped in defence but there were few clear cut chances as time slipped away.

Six minutes were added for the time wasting of Livingston. Celtic had gone 75 minutes since Saracchi had scored.

The ball switched from the right to the left, out to Sebastian Tounekti, again.

Tounekti cut the ball back to the Ox, he took one touched then calmly curled a low shot across goal just inside the post.

The celebrations mirrored the 96th minute equaliser from Junior Adamu against Dundee on Saturday.

Celtic had a few free kicks to defend in stoppage time. There was a far greater urgency about how they played after 90 minutes largely spoiling.

TITLE CHALLENGE CONTINUES

There was a mix of delight and relief when the final whistle sounded. But there was still another twist in the evening.

The As It Stands table at the final whistle had Celtic three points behind Danny Rohl’s side who still had 15 minutes left to play at Motherwell.

With three minutes left at Fir Park on loan Celt Stephen Welsh struck a late equaliser for 10 man Motherwell.

Celtic are now six points behind leaders Hearts with a game in hand, away to Aberdeen.

With Hearts at Ibrox on Sunday something has to give.

That will only benefit Celtic if they can win at Kilmarnock in Sunday’s early kick off. With Kilmarnock beating St Mirren 4-3 last night Sunday’s visit to Ayrshire looks every bit as demanding as the last two home matches.