Forrest and Duffy heads above Buddies as Celts hit back for full points

CELTIC scored two headers as they beat St Mirren 2-1 to move into second place in the Premiership.

Saints striker Lee Erwin, making his first start since signing from Ross County last week, bundled in a shock opener from a corner in the third minute in Paisley.

But Hoops defender Shane Duffy levelled in the 21st minute with a powerful header, his second goal in two games since joining on loan from Brighton, and James Forrest nodded home in the 36th minute to ultimately give the dominant champions victory.

St Mirren’s emergency loan keeper Zdenek Zlamal saved an Odsonne Edouard penalty in the 75th minute and despite no more goals it was a more comfortable victory than the scoreline suggested.

Neil Lennon’s side are three points behind Rangers with a game in hand and can draw level in their home match against Livingston on Saturday, with the Light Blues not playing until Sunday.

Speaking on BBC Sportsound after the match, Celtic boss Lennon said: “We reacted very well to a poor start, conceding from a set-play is always disappointing.

“But our reaction was excellent, we played with real intensity and thoroughly deserved to go into half-time with the lead.

“We dominated the second-half, St Mirren defended really low.

“We worked the ball, we tried to probe, our attitude towards scoring was great. We got the penalty, it would have put a fairer reflection on the scoreline had that gone in, in my view.

“Overall I’m absolutely delighted.

“We’ve closed the gap on the teams above us. It’s a great win, a great three points and we’ve made use of the extra game.”

James Forrest heads in Celtic’s winner.