The League leaders proved too much for the Lions this afternoon, with two second half strikes by the Hoops proving the difference between the sides.

Manager Brendan Rodgers praised the persistence of Kyogo Furuhashi after the striker ended a seven-game sequence without scoring in Celtic’s victory over Livingston.

The Japan international netted from close range at the start of the second half and Liam Scales added a splendid header as the champions recovered from successive Scottish Premiership losses.

Luis Palma provided smart crosses for both goals in a one-sided contest that opens up a five-point lead over Rangers at the summit.

Livingston, five points adrift at the foot of the table, are now without a win in 10 top-flight outings and have scored just twice in that run.

Seeking a response after suffering back-to-back league defeats for the first time in a decade, Celtic were out of the traps quickly.

The hosts were swarming forward but Livingston deployed a deep, collective block, making it extremely congested in their penalty area.

There were first-half openings for Matt O’Riley, Kyogo and Daizen Maeda but the visitors were in determined mood with a series of last-ditch interventions.

All of that brave resistance was undone in the opening minute of the second period when Kyogo took advantage of a lapse in concentration to touch home a curling cross from Palma.

Celtic’s advantage was doubled soon after when Scales leapt impressively to steer home a corner from Palma. The defender was going away from goal but managed to twist and power the pacey delivery beyond goalkeeper Jack Hamilton, who was deputising for Shamal George.

Hamilton remained under siege, making a smart save to thwart Cameron Carter-Vickers after Maeda had spurned a good opportunity with his head.

Making just his fourth appearance of the season, Hamilton excelled again, pushing away a late header from Celtic substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu.

With the Green Brigade returning to their corner of the stadium, the atmosphere at Celtic Park was much improved but there were a few grumbles from the home crowd at half-time.

The champions were finding it tough to find space against well-organised and spirited opponents and when they did, Kyogo had a rushed effort cleared by James Penrice and Maeda poked a tentative shot straight at Hamilton.

Livingston were putting bodies on the line with laudable commitment but found themselves behind 28 seconds into the second half and when Scales made it 2-0 five minutes later the result was beyond doubt.

The visitors made no attempt to chase the game, continuing to sit deep and limit the damage, with massive matches against St Johnstone and Motherwell to come.

With the shots tally 22-0 in their favour, Celtic really should have added to their lead. But the returning Maeda did not provide the same threat as fellow winger Palma and the auditions for a Reo Hatate replacement continue without much success, with Paulo Bernardo rather anonymous.

Kyogo was involved much more than he has been of late and his goal, along with Palma’s continuing improvement, will probably please boss Brendan Rodgers most.

Match Report: BBC Scotland

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