Celtic took another step towards the Scottish Premier League title as they ground out a 2-0 win over a determined St Johnstone side at Parkhead yesterday.

With Rangers’ win on Saturday having ruined any chance of a title party at Parkhead, the home side looked a bit flat in the first half against a St Johnstone side who had won on their last visit.

The visitors came close with headers from Cillian Sheridan and Francisco Sandaza before two goals in three second-half minutes claimed three points for Celtic.

Georgios Samaras headed the first past Alan Mannus from a Kris Commons free-kick before Chris Millar turned the Greek striker’s cross past his own keeper as Celtic got back to winning ways after back-to-back defeats.

The Hoops, who are 18 points clear with six games remaining, now only need a point from next Saturday’s match away to Kilmarnock to clinch their first SPL championship in four years.

In yesterday’s other SPL clash, Hibernian moved six points clear of the relegation zone with a 3-2 win away to Inverness in a match where all five goals came in the final 30 minutes.

Greg Tansey scored Inverness’s first penalty of the season on the hour mark.

But Paul Hanlon equalised for Hibs four minutes later before Garry O’Connor gave the Edinburgh club the lead 15 minutes from time.

Jonny Hayes then drew Inverness level with an 83rd-minute stunning cross-shot before Leigh Griffiths struck from 12 yards out with just five minutes left to secure a valuable win for Hibs.

Challenge Cup final: Falkirk vs Hamilton 1-0.