Celtic 5 Dunfermline 0Celtic struck four times in a second-half blitz against Dunfermline to complete a flattering 5-0 victory at Celtic Park on Saturday.
A John Hartson double and strikes from Ross Wallace, Stanislav Varga and Henrik Larsson were cruel on the Pars, but ensured that Celtic's lead over Rangers in the Premier Division remained intact.
After the win Martin O'Neill declared that Hartson and Robert Douglas were ready for their respective nation's Euro 2004 play-offs.
The Celtic manager watched his side stutter after their superb midweek Champions League victory over Anderlecht but still manage to hit the goal trail.
Hartson proved he was in the form of his life with his clinical double to see off Dunfermline and send out a warning to Wales' play-off opponents Russia.
"I thought the goal at Kilmarnock helped him to end a bit of frustration and his fitness is as good as ever," said O'Neill. "But his performances have been excellent."
The match also marked Douglas's first appearance in the Celtic starting line-up since August which came as a welcome boost to Scotland coach Berti Vogts.
The German was anxious that his number one has not had much action but despite not having much to do, he had O'Neill's backing for their forthcoming double header with Holland.
"Why should I help Scotland out?" he joked. "Magnus (Hedman) has done very well especially on Wednesday evening.
"I felt it was just right to bring Rab in and give him a bit of concentration which helps in the long term. I would be foolish to pick a side just on Berti's account. But I am pleased he's got a game and his touch and confidence is right."
Wallace overshadowed Shaun Maloney - who was in for Corkman Liam Miller - with a vintage finish before Varga and Larsson completed the rout.
The 18-year-old gave more evidence that the future of the club was bright and certainly had O'Neill purring with delight.
"It was a great goal," said the Celtic boss. "I know what Ross can do for one so small and young. He has terrific power in his left foot and he likes a trick or two and there's nothing wrong with that."
Despite the joy emanating from Celtic a little sympathy had to be spared for Dunfermline boss Jimmy Calderwood - who vowed to continue the fight to win in Glasgow.
"We will keep trying to find something else if I've still got a job," he said. "It was very tight before we opened up.
"We still shouldn't be losing four goals in the last 15 minutes. They were deflated and it was difficult that, after all that hard work, it was a 5-0 defeat."
CELTIC: Douglas, Varga, Balde (Mjallby 84), McNamara, Agathe, Lennon, Sutton, Maloney (Wallace 72), Petrov (Sylla 84), Larsson, Hartson. Subs Not Used: Hedman, Gray. Goals: Hartson 23, 77, Wallace 81, Varga 83, Larsson 87.
DUNFERMLINE: Stillie, Bullen, Scott Wilson, Skerla, Scott Thomson, Mason (Dempsey 61), Darren Young, McDermott (Brewster 72), Labonte, Mehmet (McGarty 89), Crawford. Subs Not Used: Ruitenbeek, Byrne. Booked: Mason, Scott Thomson.
Referee: M McCurry (Scotland).
