Celtic 2-0 Hibernian

Celtic re-established their four-point lead over Rangers at the top of the SPL in an exciting game with Hibernian.

Captain Stephen McManus headed Gordon Strachan's men in front from a Shunsuke Nakamura corner on 36 minutes and Scott McDonald nodded No.2 on 87 minutes.

Hibs could not beat Artur Boruc, and Martin Canning and Ian Murray saw late red cards as their Uefa Cup hopes died.

Now Strachan's side must wait and watch Rangers' progress before their final match at Dundee United on 22 May.

McManus returned from an ankle injury while Bobo Balde dropped to the bench as manager Strachan made one other change, right-back Mark Wilson coming in for Andreas Hinkel who failed to recover from a knock.

Hibernian manager Mixu Paatelainen made two changes to the side that drew 0-0 with Rangers last Sunday

Midfielder Guillaume Beuzelin returned from suspension to replace Ross Chisholm while defender Chris Hogg came back for Kevin McCann who was out with a knee injury.

It was a nervy start from the home side. Keeper Boruc had to foil Ross Campbell by rushing from his goals before beating away Dean Shiels' shot for a corner which caused less panic.

Gary Caldwell surrendered possession just before the half-hour mark with a careless pass which was picked up by Filipe Morais. The ball eventually smuggled to Shiels at the back post but his shot was blocked by McManus.

It was the beginning of a poor passage of play by the home side, who took turns in giving up possession - much to the frustration of the Celtic support.

But that frustration turned to cheers in the 36th minute when McManus towered above a clutch of players inside the Hibs six-yard box to power a Nakamura corner low past Easter Road keeper Andy McNeil.

In the 43rd minute, after Rob Jones had fouled McDonald 25 yards from goal, Nakamura beat Andy McNeil with his curling free-kick only to see the ball rebound off the post before it was cleared to safety.

Celtic should have doubled their lead within two minutes of the restart when, on the counter from another poor Hibs corner, Nakamura sent McDonald clear on goal.

The Australian rounded McNeil but his angled shot was blocked by Ian Murray, as was his second attempt from the rebound, and the Easter Road side were able to breath again - but only for a few moments.

After Jones clattered Vennegoor of Hesselink 25 yards out, McNeil was forced into a fine save from another Nakamura free-kick which looked to be creeping in at the post.

Martin Canning picked up a second booking and red card for Hibs after a robust challenge on Robson, and it got worse for the capital side on 87 minutes when Robson swung in a free kick, Caldwell flicked the ball on and McDonald headed home at the back post.

There was still time for Paatelainen's side to be reduced to nine men when Murray was sent off for a cyncial challenge on Aiden McGeady.

But it had no impact on the scoreline as Celtic kept the pressure on title rivals Rangers.