Celtic clinch second successive league title

GLASGOW: Celtic clinched their second successive Scottish Premier League championship after a clinical secondhalf display sealed a 4-1 win over Inverness Caledonian Thistle at Parkhead.

Before the match Hoops boss Neil Lennon, who was starting a three-match touchline ban, had demanded his players win the title in style.

However, Lennon was frustrated as his side, who needed only a point to secure the title, squandered a number of early chances.

The Celtic fans had to wait until the 61st minute to get the party started when a fine strike from Gary Hooper opened the scoring.

Stand-in skipper Joe Ledley fired home a second five minutes later before Hooper got his 28th goal of the season with a clever back-flick in the 73rd minute.

Substitute Georgios Samaras added a fourth in the 88th minute and Aaron Doran pulled one back for Inverness as Celtic moved 15 points clear of Motherwell with four matches remaining to land their 44th title.

“I’m proud of the players for the way they’ve played this season. The second half was indicative of the way that we’ve played in the three years I’ve been in charge,” said Lennon, who could lead his side to a double if they overcome Hibernian in next month’s Scottish Cup final.

“It’s pretty special. I know from my own personal experiences over the years that winning the championship is the ultimate goal for any professional in football and I hope that my players enjoy the moment.” – Sapa-AFP