Rampant Celtic go 17 points clear at top of SPL

Celtic ended a week they started four points clear at the top of the Scottish Premier League with a colossal 17-point advantage after a 5-0 win away to Hibernian on Sunday.

Second-placed Rangers' 10 point penalty for going into administration, and subsequent 1-0 loss at home to Kilmarnock on Saturday, had left Celtic in a strong position even before they kicked-off at Easter Road.

But Gary Hooper's double, as well as goals from Antony Stokes, Charlie Mulgrew and substitute Ki Sung-Yueng saw Celtic pile on the agony for both arch-rivals Rangers and, indeed, second-bottom Hibernian.

However, Stokes insisted Celtic were not taking the title for granted.

"We're just focusing on ourselves," he said. "We're in a good position in the league and concentrating on ourselves. We're there at the top and that's where we want to stay.

"The title race is still alive. We're going to go on to the last day in the title run-in. It was a very good performance today and we're delighted with the result."

Celtic manager Neil Lennon praised his team for concentrating on the job in hand during a tumultuous week for Scottish football.

"I'm lost for words with this team at the moment," he said. "They're doing everything right. Their application is superb, their talent, their approach to the game is magnificent.

"Hibs started the game pretty well but once we got a foot in the game it was as good as we've played. Edinburgh has been a good place for us to come the last few weeks.

"With everything else that's going on it could have been a major distraction, but we've shown today we've still got the bit right between our teeth."

This was Hibs' heaviest home defeat since 1985 and manager Pat Fenlon said his side had suffered several self-inflicted wounds.

"We need to have a look at it," he said. "Celtic played pretty well, but we gifted three or four of the goals."

Stokes headed Celtic into a 14th minute lead against his former club when he was first to Mulgrew's inswinging cross.

And six minutes later Celtic were 2-0 in front when, after Stokes had beaten three defenders, the unmarked Hooper scored the first of his two goals.

The second half was only two minutes old when Mulgrew added a third goal, with a curling free-kick from more than 20 yards out.

Another long range shot, this time from Hooper, bounced over goalkeeper Graham Stack's arms to make it 4-0 before Kris Commons's drive deflected off fellow substitute Ki to complete the scoring 13 minutes from time.

Earlier, St Johnstone missed the chance to go fourth after sharing the points in a goalless draw away to Aberdeen at Pittodrie. (AFP)

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