Celtic smash six past Livi

CELTIC warmed up for the Old Firm Scottish Cup tie by recording their biggest Premiership win of the season as they routed Livingston.

James Forrest and David Turnbull (above) struck in the first-half to reward firsthalf dominance.

A Jack Fitzwater own goal, a Mohamed Elyounoussi double and a late Ryan Christie strike cliched a convincing victory as Livingston collapsed.

Interim Celtic boss John Kennedy said: “I’m just focusing on the team and how we can improve week on week. I think we’re seeing that in the performances now.

“Confidence is huge in football and the players have had a tough time this year. Again, we’ve tried to rebuild that.”

Livingston boss David Martindale said: “That’s probably the worst we have played in my seven years at the club.

“We need to have a long, hard look at ourselves.”

Celtic next face a trip to Steven Gerrard’s Rangers in the Scottish Cup.

■ Hearts have clinched an instant return to the top flight. They needed Raith Rovers and Dundee to drop points yesterday, and both slipped up.

FINGERS crossed for

Jack Grealish.

“We know it’s not a long-term injury and he will be back,” said boss Dean Smith.

The trouble is Aston Villa were saying that two months ago.

Smith said on Thursday: “He was really good in training, but he couldn’t tolerate the loading.

“It’s a loading injury and we have to de-load him over the next few weeks and get him back here.”

What? De-load? The vagueness suggests seriousness.

Let’s hope Villa – safe in mid-table – can do the nation a favour and get Jack

(right) fit for June.