Celtic restored their four-point advantage at the top of the Scottish Premiership after cruising to a three-goal win at Livingston.

Kyogo Furuhashi lashed in at Jack Hamilton’s near post after being found by Greg Taylor early in the game, and the left-back’s piledriver went through the goalkeeper’s legs after the break.

Giorgos Giakoumakis missed a late penalty for the visitors after a VAR review of Andrew Shinnie’s handball, before fellow substitute Jota scored Celtic’s third.

The win moves Celtic clear of Rangers at the summit and was rarely in doubt at a venue where they have struggled in recent times.

Livingston threatened to extend those woes early on but Joel Nouble could not get enough purchase on his shot at an early free-kick and it cost the hosts dearly.

Celtic moved forward, with Taylor releasing Kyogo into the box and the Japanese forward hammered the ball past Hamilton.

Kyogo was in again midway through the first half but Jack Fitzwater did enough to put the striker off as he shot wide.

James Forrest dragged a low shot wide after cutting in from the right and team-mate Aaron Mooy was similarly close from the inside left channel.

Taylor’s powerful shot was beaten away by Hamilton in the opening moments of the second half but the left-back’s next attempt would not be stopped.

It was deja vu for Livingston as an inviting opening turned into the concession of a goal.

Jason Holt’s control let him down in the Celtic penalty area after being found by Nouble and the visitors broke. Taylor was ready to pounce after Livi struggled to clear their lines, his shot flying through a flurry of players and Hamilton.

The goalkeeper’s wayward clearance then presented Forrest with the ball but he recovered after a timely intervention from Nicky Devlin.

Jota had made his comeback from injury off the bench and made an immediate impact with the cross that clipped the outstretched hand of Shinnie. The spot-kick was awarded after referee Willie Collum reviewed the video but Giakoumakis’ shot hit the outside of the left-hand post.

It mattered little, though, as Celtic soon added to their tally with sub David Turnbull crossing for Jota to finish from close range.

Match Report: BBC Scotland

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