Stuart Armstrong scores in Celtic’s 4-1 win over Partick Thistle.

CELTIC: Thistle wilt as champions open up 11-point lead after Firhill win

PARTICK THISTLE 1 CELTIC 4

Stuart Armstrong grabbed a double as relentless Celtic moved 11 points clear at the top of the Ladbrokes Premiership with a comfortable 4-1 win over Partick Thistle at Firhill.

The former Dundee United midfielder opened the scoring in the 39th minute to give an otherwise dull first half a notable end.

The champions came out flying at the start of the second-half.

They notched two goals in a minute from Armstrong and returning striker Leigh Griffiths.

Although Jags defender Liam Lindsay reduced the deficit with a header just after the hour mark, Hoops substitute Callum McGregor restored their cushion for Brendan Rodgers’ side, who still have two games in hand over secondplaced Rangers

For a game that Celtic were odds-on to win, Rodgers made three changes to the side which started in the 1-1 Champions League draw with Manchester City on Tuesday night.

Defender Cristian Gamboa, winger Gary Mackay-Steven and striker Leigh Griffiths came in for Jozo Simunovic, James Forrest and Moussa Dembele, the latter starting on the bench.

Attacker David Amoo and midfielder Chris Erskine returned to the Thistle line-up at the expense of Ade Azeez and Ryan Edwards, who were among the substitutes.

Partick: Cerny, Booth, Lindsay, Barton, Gordon, Welsh, Osman, Elliot, Erskine (Lawless 58), Amoo (Edwards 57), Doolan (Azeez 76).

Subs not used: Devine, Wilson, McDaid, Stuckmann.

Celtic: Gordon, Izaguirre, Sviatchenko, Lustig, Gamboa, Brown, Mackay Steven (Christie 58), Armstrong, Rogic (McGregor 59), Roberts (Dembele 76),Griffiths.

Subs not used: Toure, Bitton, Boyata, De Vries. Att: 7,609 Ref: Craig Thomson.

Picture: PA. On target: Stuart Armstrong netted a double.