Celtic closed in on the Scottish Premier League title as they opened up a massive 20-point lead over crisis-stricken rivals Rangers with a 2-0 win against Dunfermline at Parkhead on Wednesday.

Despite dominating possession it took the Hoops until the 32nd minute to break down bottom of the table Dunfermline’s defence when Charlie Mulgrew sent a wonder strike beyond Chris Smith from 30 yards.

The Pars keeper then kept Celtic at bay until the 75th minute when substitute James Forrest slid in a second as the Hoops won their 16th league match in a row – a run that extends back to November.

It keeps Celtic on course for a domestic treble while Old Firm rivals Rangers, who were docked 10 points after entering administration last week, continue to fight for their financial survival.

Motherwell, who are the visitors to Parkhead on Saturday, closed the gap on Rangers in second place to just three points after defeating Hibernian 4-3 at Fir Park.

In Glasgow, Celtic manager Neil Lennon was afforded the luxury of making four changes to the side that thrashed Hibernian at the weekend.