Celtic survive second-half scare to win at Hearts and keep pressure on Rangers

Celtic survived a strong second-half fightback from Hearts to grind out a 2-1 victory in a pulsating cinch Premiership encounter at Tynecastle.

Ange Postecoglou’s side looked in full control at the break after goals from Reo Hatate and Georgios Giakoumakis.

But Liam Boyce pulled one back after the break and the Northern Irish striker then missed a penalty as the hosts piled on the pressure in search of an equaliser.

The victory kept Celtic within four points of leaders Rangers ahead of next Wednesday’s Glasgow derby.

Ibrox-bound defender John Souttar returned to Hearts’ starting line-up after missing the Scottish Cup victory over Auchinleck, while Josh Ginnelly was also back in the side.

Nathaniel Atkinson and Andy Halliday dropped to the bench, where they were joined by new striker Ellis Simms, who arrived on loan from Everton shortly before kick-off.

Celtic gave a debut to former MK Dons midfielder Matt O’Riley, but captain Callum McGregor and Yosuke Ideguchi missed out with injuries sustained in the cup win over Alloa at the weekend, while Tom Rogic was away on international duty with Australia.

Hearts threatened in the opening minute when Boyce seized on a loose pass from Hatate and laid the ball off to Barrie McKay who curled an effort just over the bar from the edge of the box.

The game was temporarily paused in the 13th minute as the whole stadium, including both sets of players, joined in a minute’s applause in memory of 13-year-old Hearts fan Devin Gordon who died last week.

Celtic, who had enjoyed the majority of possession in the early stages, had their first notable shots at goal in the 16th minute when Jota tested Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon with a couple of low strikes from inside the box in quick