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Quick Review

Celtic eased the pain of their midweek CIS Cup defeat to Rangers with a comfortable win over Inverness.
Sutton gave Celtic the perfect start, scoring after only three minutes. Youngster McGeady provided the ammunition for Sutton, whipping in a cross from the left which the English striker sent past Caley keeper Mark Brown with a flying header.
John Hartson then missed a clear scoring opportunity after he got underneath a pass from Jackie McNamara and scooped his shot over the bar with less than 10 minutes on the clock. With 25 minutes gone, Caley fans were on their feet calling for a penalty after a hint of contact in the box following a clash between Barry Davies and Neil Lennon, but referee Dallas waved play on. Celtic saw a second chance to stretch their lead go begging after 34 minutes, with Camara outpacing the Caley defence to shoot at Brown. Celtic then had a narrow escape in the last minute of the first half when McBain sent a curling free-kick towards Hedman's goal - but the ball flew just past the upright.
Hartson ensured that Celtic would end the afternoon with the points when he volleyed home a right-footed effort after 52 minutes - his 12th goal of the season. Skipper McNamara did the good work, sending the ball across the box, Sutton chested the ball down and the big Welshman hammered home his shot.
There was a drama in the final period as Stanislav Varga fouled Hart in the box to hand the visitors the chance to get back into the contest. But Barry Wilson stepped up and tried to stroke the ball into the net and Hedman saved comfortably after diving to his right.
Hartson then made sure of the home win two minutes later after McNamara dribbled past the Caley defence and sent a ball across the front of goal which the Celtic striker gratefully tapped in.

Trivia

Inverness director of football Graeme Bennett has confirmed that Celtic's Paul Lambert has rejected an offer to become their new manager.

Teams

Celtic:-
Hedman, McNamara, Varga, Balde, Valgaeren, McGeady, Lennon, Sutton (Pearson), Thompson, Camara (Juninho Paulista), Hartson.

Subs not used:- Marshall, Sylla, Lawson, Quinn.

Goals:- Sutton 3, Hartson 55, 75

Booked:- McNamara


Inverness CT:-
Brown, Tokely, Dods, Golabek, Munro, Wilson, McBain, Hart, Duncan, Juanjo, Bayne.

Subs:- Fraser, McCaffrey, Keogh, Thomson, Prunty, Fox, Black.

Ref:- H. Dallas.

Articles

• Match Report (BBC)
  
• Manager Interview (BBC) - O'Neill pleased to pick up points.
• Paul Lambert rejects offer to manage Inverness CT. (BBC)
  

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