Celtic moved four points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership after a 2-1 comeback win over Hibs at a storm-battered Easter Road. Camilo Duran scored the decisive goal, while record signing Kasper Hogh continued his difficult spell in front of goal.
Storm Boelo and an Early Setback
Storm Boelo battered Easter Road, and just as the Hoops were attempting to adapt to the conditions, Marink Reedijk's men took the lead. Owen Elding fired beyond Sam Johnstone after meeting Joe Newell's free-kick.
That joy for the Hibs boss did not last long, as confusion at the back saw Jason Kerr nod the ball into his own net from a corner.
Duran Delivers the Winner
Neat work by Benjamin Nygren and Callum Osmand on the edge of the box saw the ball eventually fall to Camilo Duran, as the Colombian lashed the ball into the net for the crucial goal.
It is a result that strengthens Celtic's position at the top ahead of rivals Rangers.
Player Ratings
Sam Johnstone – 6: Martin O'Neill kept faith with the goalkeeper after the England cap was thrown back into the starting line-up for the midweek clash with Celta Vigo. Could do little to stop the Hibs goal and had a relatively comfortable afternoon at a blustery Easter Road. Viljami Sinisalo faces a battle to get the gloves back now.
Colby Donovan – 6: Another consistent display from the young right-back before he was forced off with an apparent knock in the second half. That saw Alistair Johnston make his return, but Donovan may be relied on long-term after the Canada right-back picked up another knock.
Dane Murray – 7: The centre-back has faced criticism from some sections of the Celtic support, but in the absence of Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty he looked assured at the heart of the defence. Martin O'Neill clearly has faith in the 23-year-old. Ended the game filling in at right-back.
Liam Scales – 7: With injury problems plaguing Celtic at centre-back this season, Scales has proven to be the reliable ever-present that O'Neill has required at the back. Another solid showing by the Ireland cap as he kept Hibs at bay.
Kieran Tierney – 7: The left-back was lively in the attacking third and helped his side frustrate Hibs as they threw everything, including Grant Hanley as a striker, at the visitors in search of an equaliser.
Callum McGregor – 6: The Celtic captain anchored the midfield and allowed Mika Baur to offer more in the attacking third. Was caught on a couple of occasions by Hibs as they overloaded the midfield and pressed, but a relatively quiet afternoon as he dictated play.
Mika Baur – 7: After his goal in midweek, the German international appeared keen to add to his tally for Celtic and added more to the attacking play. Helped out at the back as the Premiership leaders were on the backfoot late on.
Benjamin Nygren – 6: It was not a vintage afternoon for the Swede, as he was crowded out by the Hibs defence. Struggled to link up with £11m-man Kasper Hogh until the Dane was hooked.
Camilo Duran – 8: The Colombian has made a strong case to be the main striker at Celtic Park, but he was pushed out wide once again. That did not stop him chipping in with a crucial contribution, as he lashed in the winner at Easter Road. It is hard to see beyond Duran as the first-choice frontman as it stands.
Callum Osmand – 6: Starting on the wing again, the wide man struggled to cause the same problems that he has in recent matches. After an injury-hampered pre-season and plenty of minutes in recent weeks, the prospect looked tired at times in the capital.
Kasper Hogh – 5: In-form Camilo Duran was pushed out to the wing for the Dane, who continued his dismal goalless streak. It is 12 games without a goal for the record signing now, and he may be running out of chances under O'Neill after offering little in the attacking third against the rock-bottom side.
Substitutes
Alistair Johnston (for Donovan 52) – 2: The returning defender limped off 22 minutes after coming off the bench. He looked lively, but it is a major concern for the Hoops.
Haissem Hassan (for Hogh 63) – 4: Cranked up the pressure in the attacking third as he looked to carve out the crucial third for the visitors.
Jota (for Osmand 63) – 4: Another game, and another big step for the wide man as he returns to full fitness. Had a couple of flurries and bursts at goal. Must be in O'Neill's plans for a start soon.
Shim Mhueka (for Duran 73) – 3: Given a chance to lead the line again. The Chelsea loanee did not have a clear-cut chance to open his Parkhead account.
Cameron Carter-Vickers (for Johnston 73) – 4: The centre-back returned from injury to replace Johnston and calmed things down at the back in the final stages.
