Clinical Hoops close gap

GEORGIOS Giakoumakis scored his first Celtic goal as the Hoops closed to within one point of top spot in the Scottish Premiership with a 2-0 win over St Johnstone on Sunday.

The Greek international (pictured) has had a disrupted start to life in Glasgow due to injury, but he got off the mark when he smashed home Anthony Ralston’s cross from close range on 35 minutes. “He hasn’t had an easy introduction to life here at Celtic, but I always felt he could make an impact for us,” said Celtic boss, Australian Ange Postecoglou. When a game is tight, he has physical presence and took his goal well.”

Full-back Josip Juranovic added a second from the penalty spot with 10 minutes remaining as Postecoglou’s side extended their winning run to four games in all competitions.

Four sides are now separated by just a point at the top of the table as leaders Hearts were held 1-1 at home by Dundee. Dundee United are now level on points with the Jambos and Rangers after beating Motherwell 2-1 at Tannadice.

Champions Rangers can go top if they avoid defeat away to St Mirren on Sunday. Aberdeen ended a 10-game winless run and eased the pressure on manager Stephen Glass with a 1-0 victory over Hibernian.