Glasgow--Reigning champions Celtic are on the verge of retaining the Scottish Premiership title after thrashing Dundee 5-0 at Parkhead on Friday.
Leigh Griffiths opened the scoring in the 30th minute as he headed home his 19th goal of the season before captain Scott Brown netted in the 37th minute.
Kris Commons added a third from the penalty spot in the 71st minute and substitute James Forrest fired home a fourth just six minutes later.
Nir Bitton's superb long range strike in the 89th minute completed the scoring as the Glasgow giants moved 11 points clear at the top of the table and within touching distance of their fourth consecutive league title.
"It was a good performance," Celtic manager Ronny Deila said. "It's always tough to meet teams who sit in like they did.
"But we were patient, hardly conceded a chance and scored five beautiful goals which makes me very happy."
Celtic could clinch the championship on Saturday if nearest challengers Aberdeen fail to defeat Dundee United at Tannadice.
"We came up against a rampant Celtic team who are in top form. They were far too good for us," Dundee manager Paul Hartley said.
"We have to hold our hands up -- we were beaten by a quality team."
Celtic made two changes for the visit of Dundee with Gary Mackay-Steven and Efe Ambrose returning to the starting line-up at the expense of Stuart Armstrong and Adam Matthews.
The Hoops enjoyed some early success down Dundee's right with Brown collecting a pass from Emilio Izaguirre before rolling a ball wide of the far post and then Griffiths letting fly with a shot that grazed the side netting.
AFP
