Celtic go two points clear at the top after brushing aside nine-man Hearts

Celtic's Kyogo Furuhashi scores their side's first goal of the game against Hearts. Photograph: Steve Welsh/PAKyogo Furuhashi and Giorgos Giakoumakis were on target as Celtic beat nine-man Hearts 2-0 to send the champions two points clear of Rangers at the top of the Scottish Premiership.

The much-changed visitors had some decent spells without managing to get a shot on target, and they had Alex Cochrane and Toby Sibbick sent off in the closing stages before substitute Giakoumakis hit the second. Craig Halkett was missing with the hamstring injury he suffered in Thursday’s 2-1 defeat in Switzerland while Craig Gordon missed out with a back spasm. Stephen Kingsley was also absent.The opener came after Daizen Maeda took David Turnbull’s pass in his stride and shrugged off Cochrane’s despairing challenge before crossing for the unmarked Furuhashi to volley past Ross Stewart from six yards. Jota then had two shots which failed to trouble Stewart.

Hearts enjoyed some good possession in the early stages of the second half and crosses from Alan Forrest and Cochrane caused some angst amid the home support. Postecoglou brought on Liel Abada and Reo Hatate 10 minutes into the half and the latter came close on the rebound after Stewart had saved well from O’Riley.

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