Vidar Riseth emerged the unlikely hero as Celtic established themselves as the main challengers to Rangers in the title run-in. The Ibrox outfit remain 10 points clear but Riseth's 49th-minute header at Celtic Park sees Celtic displace Kilmarnock in second position.
Yet it was a far from convincing triumph for the home side against a Kilmarnock team who denied them space during what, but for one blemish, was a well-organised defensive display.
Sadly for Bobby Williamson's men it was their one moment of slackness which proved the difference, a Lubomir Moravcik corner picking out Riseth unmarked.
Celtic: Gould, Mahe, McNamara, Larsson, Brattbakk, Lambert, McKinlay, Blinker, Moravcik, Riseth, Mjallby. Subs not used: Burley, Jackson, Healy, Burchill, Kerr. Booked: Mjallby. Goals: Riseth 49.
Kilmarnock: Marshall, MacPherson, Montgomerie, McGowne, Reilly, Holt, Durrant, McCoist (Wright 71), Mahood (Roberts 89), Baker, Burke (Henry 76). Subs not used: Lauchlan, Strain. Booked: Baker, Mahood. Att: 59,126.
Referee: J McCluskey (Stewarton).
