Celtic increase lead over Rangers

Celtic 2 Rangers 0 : Captain Stephen McManus and top scorer Scott McDonald netted as Celtic beat Hibernian to stretch their …

Celtic 2 Rangers 0: Captain Stephen McManus and top scorer Scott McDonald netted as Celtic beat Hibernian to stretch their lead over Rangers at the top of the Scottish Bank Premier League to four points.

McManus rose to power home a Shunsuke Nakamura corner after 36 minutes and with four minutes remaining, after Hibs defender Martin Canning was sent off after receiving the second of his two yellow cards, McDonald nodded home a Robson free-kick.

There was time left for Hibs defender Ian Murray to be shown a straight red card for a foul on Aiden McGeady as Celtic, who have one SPL game left against Dundee United at Tannadice, put the pressure back on Rangers who have three games remaining.

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan praised his players for their part in the entertaining encounter - then claimed only the three points mattered.

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Strachan's men, who have one SPL game left against Dundee United at Tannadice, put the pressure back on their Light Blue rivals, although Rangers have three games remaining. The Celtic boss stressed that while his side always try and play good football, he is well aware only victories matter at Celtic Park.

"It was a good game and a fitting finish to the season at Parkhead," Strachan said. "It was end to end and, at one point, it was like basketball.

"So I think everyone got their money's worth although obviously we are more satisfied than Hibs. But, trust me, it's all about the result.

"I've heard some rubbish since I've come here about people wanting to see stylish football and all the rest of it but everybody wants to watch winning football.

"We will try and perform at the same time as you've seen against Hibs but trust me, if we had performed like that and got beaten, there would have been all hell to pay."