Scottish Premier League: St. Johnstone 0 Celtic 1

Celtic moved five points clear atop the Scottish Premier League table after a hard-fought 1-0 win over St. Johnstone on Tuesday.

A goal on the stroke of half-time from Israeli Baram Kayal – his first for the club – was enough to send the Hoops further clear of rivals Rangers.

Just when it looked like the hosts at McDiarmid Park would make it to the break on level terms, Kayal got on the end of some scrappy play to place home what proved to be the winner.

Scott Brown also struck the crossbar late on for Celtic while substitute Shaun Moloney was denied by a late save from Graeme Smith.

St. Johnstone finished the clash with 10 men when 51st minute substitute Chris Millar limped off with an injury after his side had exhausted their three substitutions.

Celtic have won four on the trot in the league while St. Johnstone are winless in the competition since February 2.