Three first-half goals gave Celtic a comfortable win over Hamilton to maintain their five point gap at the top of the league table with a game in hand.
Olivier Ntcham opened the scoring with just 12 minutes played after unleashing a stunning volley from Scott Sinclair’s cross to open the scoring.
Against the run of play Hamilton equalised through Daniel Redmond on 29 minutes who fired a brilliant effort on goal beyond the reach of Craig Gordon.
James Forrest put Celtic ahead once again with his 11th goal of the season on 40 minutes after making a surging run onto Stuart Armstrong’s pass and rounded the ‘keeper before rolling the ball into the net.
Just 68 seconds later, Sinclair added a third with a curling effort into the top right corner to give Celtic a two goal advantage going into the break and his 15th goal of the season.
Craig Gordon made sure the Hoops maintained their two goal lead by pushing Rakish Bingham’s shot onto the post with jsut under 10 minutes to play.
Here are the player ratings from tonight’s game.
Craig Gordon 6.5/10
Stretched to reach Redmond’s shot on goal but couldn’t keep it out. Good save to push Bingham’s shot onto the post late on after a slack pass from Simunovic.
Kristoffer Ajer 6/10
Took the ball forward well from defence and looked to support the Celtic attack down the right side. Solid in defence.
Nir Bitton 6.5/10
Brilliant tackle to block to deny Redmond’s attempted shot on the edge of the box. Not troubled too much otherwise in the game.
Dedryck Boyata 6/10
Decent game in defence, rarely troubled.
Callum McGregor 7/10
Good build up play down the left flank with Sinclair for the opening goal. Had a good game in an unfamiliar position on the left flank as a wing back showing his value to the team.
Scott Brown 6.5/10
Controlled the midfield as always to keep Celtic in possession and on the attack.
Olivier Ntcham 8/10
Good effort on goal that curled just wide of the target from 25-yards and opened the scoring with a powerful volley. Another good effort on goal after 25 minutes with his left foot forcing a save. Classy performance once again from the Frenchman and is beginning to adjust to life at Celtic and impress on the pitch consistently.
Stuart Armstrong 7/10
Shot just over the bar in the early stages. Played a super through ball to Forrest for the second goal. Had another chance to score in the second-half. Had a decent game, one of his better games this season working hard, pressing the ball well and creating chances.
James Forrest 7/10
Anonymous in the opening 30 minutes of the game but scored the goal to give Celtic the lead again after rounding the ‘keeper and assisted Sinclair for the third goal.
Scott Sinclair 7.5/10
Good run down the left wing and perfect weighted cross to Ntcham for the opening goal. Curled a shot into the top left corner just before half-time. Has that injection of pace back into his game and looks to be getting back to his best.
Odsonne Edouard 6.5/10
Decent header on goal that went a yard wide of the target. Went by two players in a tight pace and was just about to pull the target when the ball was cleared. Went through on goal and was just denied by Woods and had another chance soon after. Solid on the night and could have a big future at Celtic if Rodgers triggers the clause to buy him next summer.
Leigh Griffiths 6/10
Came on for Edouard with 22 minutes left in the game. Almost made an instant impact but was just offside. Looked sharp and threatening getting crosses into the box and looking to create something.
Jozo Simunovic 5/10
Played the last 18 minutes having come on for Boyata. Really sloppy back pass to Gordon very nearly cost the Hoops a goal.
Jonny Hayes N/A
Replaced Forrest with 11 minutes to go in the game. Positive play when he came on going at his man. Won two corners from his attacking running at the defence and got a shot away on goal too.