Giakoumakis snatches dramatic late win for Celtic

Giorgos Giakoumakis netted the winner for Celtic in a dramatic finale to their cinch Premiership clash against St Johnstone in Perth.

Defender Alex Mitchell scored a stoppage-time equaliser for St Johnstone to cancel out Andrew Considine's 42nd-minute own goal and Celtic looked set to drop points for the second consecutive away match in the league.

But Giakoumakis turned home Alexandro Bernabei's cross in the fifth minute of time added on to earn the Hoops a 2-1 win and consolidate their position at the top of the table.

The champions had wasted opportunities to extend their half-time lead and Joe Hart pushed Stevie May's shot on to the post as Saints came into the game as an attacking force in the final quarter.

Celtic were beginning an extended spell without captain Callum McGregor in the starting line-up after the midfielder suffered a knee injury in the midweek Champions League defeat by RB Leipzig.

McGregor was suspended for the trip to Perth but manager Ange Postecoglou confirmed ahead of kick-off that the Scotland international would be unlikely to return before the World Cup break.

Matt O'Riley was the surprise choice to fill the void at the base of Celtic's midfield with Reo Hatate and Sead Haksabanovic ahead of him.

Postecoglou made six changes in all from the team that started in Germany. Cameron Carter-Vickers returned from injury while Anthony Ralston, Bernabei, Liel Abada and Giakoumakis came in, along with Hakasabanovic.

St Johnstone manager Callum Davidson handed a first start to 20-year-old Ukrainian midfielder Max Kucheriavyi.

Celtic got some joy down the left in the early stages. Bernabei's inviting ball across the face of goal had no takers while Abada squandered an excellent chance after Jota's square-ball.

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