Celtic strike early to seal comfortable win at Kilmarnock

Celtic scored four goals and missed a penalty inside the first 27 minutes as they moved another step closer to the cinch Premiership title with a comfortable victory over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.

Goals from Kyogo Furuhashi and Daizen Maeda and Matt O'Riley's double ensured Celtic need only seven points from their last six matches to retain their crown.

Relegation-threatened Kilmarnock can take encouragement from their performance after boss Derek McInnes made a double change in the 31st minute, with Liam Donnelly's goal proving a consolation.

Cameron Carter-Vickers and Jota were absent for Celtic, who brought in Yuki Kobayashi, Tomoki Iwata and Sead Haksabanovic. Kilmarnock also made three changes as fit-again Kyle Vassell returned along with Ash Taylor and Fraser Murray.

Murray was making his first league start for five months and might have another lengthy wait after an afternoon to forget.

He gifted Celtic a seventh-minute opener with a backpass that was intercepted by Furuhashi. Joe Wright got back but could only delay the Japan striker, who checked back and drilled into the far corner.

Celtic were two ahead five minutes later following a lengthy spell of possession. Alistair Johnston got ahead of Murray on the right flank and crossed for Maeda to head home at the far post.

Killie were in disarray. Wright's mistake offered O'Riley a chance but the defender recovered to block, only for the midfielder to net moments later in the 18th minute. The former MK Dons player was found by a pinpoint pass from Greg Taylor before taking a touch and swiftly dispatching the ball into the corner of the net.

Furuhashi missed a great chance to net his 30th goal of the season when he hit the post from the spot after Christian Doidge had