Dominance must be turned into goals

NEIL LENNON admits he will be a happier man when his Celtic side start turning their domination into goals.

The Hoops cruised to a 2-0 Clydesdale Bank Premier League win over St Mirren at Parkhead on Saturday, but the scoreline in no way reflected the home side’s superiority.

Midf ielder Vi c t o r Wanyama opened the scoring in the 15th minute from Charlie Mulgrew’s corner and it was just reward for their impressive start.

However, despite monopolising possession playing in a 3-5-2 formation, Celtic struggled in front of goal until seven minutes from time, when striker Gary Hooper scored from close range to seal their fourth victory in succession and take the champions four points clear of Motherwell at the top of the table with a game in hand.

The Parkhead boss, who hopes to be present at the Champions League last-16 draw in Nyon on Thurs- day, praised his side’s play but would like, when they are so much in control, to secure the points more quickly.

“I would like to see us put teams away a little bit earlier,” said Lennon.

“If that comes then think we will be rampant.

“There was a good focus and intensity to our play and I am glad to see Hooper scoring again.

“He is looking a lot sharper and trimmer and looks like he has the bit

Ibetween his teeth so I was delighted he got his goal.

“Some of our play was very good.”

Motherwell produced a fantastic second half comeback to beat Hibs 3-2 at Easter Road. Eoin Doyle headed the hosts ahead five minutes before half-time and doubled his tally nine minutes after the break when he raced onto Paul Cairney’s high ball and rocketed past Darren Randolph.

Jamie Murphy tapped in from close range to cut the lead and he glanced home a leveller with 10 minutes remaining.

Hibs looked shellshocked after losing a commanding lead and things got worse for Pat Fenlon’s side when substitute Robert McHugh converted Henrik Ojamaa’s cross two minutes from time.

James McPake was dismissed for a second yellow card during injury-time to complete a miserable afternoon for the home side.

Rudi Skacel celebrates his first United goal with Johnny Russell.

Celtic’s Gary Hooper celebrates his goal with fellow scorer Victor Wanyama.