Substitute Yang Hyun-jun delivered two goals and an assist as Celtic emerged from a tough test against St Mirren in Paisley with a strong finish to move 16 points clear in the William Hill Premiership.
The South Korean continued his recent improvement by putting Celtic in front for the third time in the match.
The winger then sent a brilliant ball over the top for Daizen Maeda to net before heading home in stoppage time to seal a 5-2 victory. It was his third goal this week and his fifth in nine matches.
Jeffrey Schlupp and Arne Engels, from the spot, had each given Celtic the lead but St Mirren levelled twice through Declan John and Killian Phillips and had a number of other good chances.
Motherwell’s victory at Ibrox earlier in the day had ensured St Mirren arguably had a greater need for the points to further their hopes of a top-six finish and the Buddies gave as good as they got for most of the game.
But the introduction of Yang, Luke McCowan and Jota turned the tide in Celtic’s favour in the final quarter and the visiting fans were in celebratory mood as they eye an early title party.
St Mirren forward Mikael Mandron threatened first when he volleyed just over and home goalkeeper Zach Hemming was untroubled by several Celtic efforts, the closest of which saw Maeda fire over following good work from Schlupp.
Saints then created a series of opportunities. Toyosi Olusanya was clean through but saw his shot blocked by Kasper Schmeichel.
Mandron got in behind twice, dragging a shot wide before crossing for Mark O’Hara, who was also foiled by Schmeichel.
There appeared to be little danger before Celtic took the lead in the 28th minute. Ryan Alebiosu went out to close down Schlupp following Nicolas Kuhn’s pass but the left-back steered a shot between his opponent’s legs and in off the far post.
Celtic had just lost Auston Trusty to a head knock and his replacement, Liam Scales, gave away the free-kick that led to St Mirren’s 33rd-minute leveller. Former Rangers left-back John curled a brilliant effort in off the underside of the bar from 20 yards.
Scales was soon caught out by a long ball but Olusanya missed the target with only Schmeichel to beat and Celtic were gifted the lead in first-half stoppage-time when Alebiosu made a needless and mistimed challenge on Maeda. Engels converted the penalty down the middle.
Saints bounced back quickly. Mandron had a shot saved after bringing down a high ball and the hosts levelled within three minutes of the restart when Phillips volleyed a shot off the ground and into the top corner after Alistair Johnston could only half-clear Alebiosu’s cross.
Engels soon scuffed a shot into the hands of Hemming but the home side kept up the pressure with a series of balls into the box.
Mandron forced a save, although he injured himself in the process and had to go off, and Olusanya sent a free header wide.
Brendan Rodgers made a triple switch and it quickly paid dividends when Yang drifted into space and headed home Reo Hatate’s back-post cross in the 68th minute.
McCowan was influential and hit the post before Yang had a goal disallowed for offside.
The winger continued to produce with an impressive assist in the 88th minute before heading home Schlupp’s cross.
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Maresca - Jack You can't elbow players.Nicolas Jackson - Ok boss LOL Haaland the last time Arsenal won the league.. South America owns football he is here …. How good is Cruzeiro? GOAT RECOGNIZES GOAT! Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Just toon it, trollfootball, The Football Arena, AZR Organization)...
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