Mark Viduka's night was only slightly soured by Johan Mjallby's late ordering-off for two cautions, the controversial Celtic striker having completed a double when deflecting a Henrik Larsson shot past Ally Maxwell shortly before. Viduka had also begun Celtic's victory with an early opener of exceptional quality.

Viduka's goal, eight minutes into his first start for the club, is the short route into the affections of supporters awaiting an excuse to receive him. They celebrated as though a new redeemer had arrived.

It was a wonderful piece of work which brought the big Australian striker the acclaim. Taking a low centre from Vidar Riseth on the right, Viduka first wrong-footed his marker with an agile turn and finished with a flick of the outside of his right foot from 12 yards which sent the ball high to the left of Maxwell.

Morton clearly believed that an energetic pressing game was necessary to reduce Celtic's effectiveness and they managed this for long enough periods to give an untidy look to the play. But the home side were also able to play the quick and clever Kevin Twaddle in from the right often enough to cause scares around Jonathan Gould. Even so, Viduka came closest to scoring next when he took a flick from Riseth and drove the ball across Maxwell and off the far post back into the goalkeeper's arms.

Ironically, Morton conceded the second goal at a time when they were threatening to equalise. Twaddle had provided the ammunition with a series of dangerous crosses.

Viduka also had a hand in the second goal, by Larsson, leaping to flick a long ball out of defence on to the Swede. Larsson managed only to knock the ball into the air, but Paul Fenwick's weak header back to Maxwell saw Larsson prod the ball home for his 33rd goal of the season.

The home side would have scored soon after but Craig Burley blocked Harry Curran almost on the goal line.

Greenock Morton: Maxwell, Aitken, Archdeacon, D Anderson, J Anderson, Fenwick, Twaddle (Wright 88), Curren, Matheson, Thomas, McPherson. Subs Not Used: Slaven, Blaikie. Booked: Thomas, Curren, D Anderson, Twaddle.

Celtic: Gould, Boyd, Mahe (McKinlay 5), Stubbs, Larsson, Burley, Viduka (Brattbakk 88), Lambert, Blinker, Riseth, Mjallby. Subs Not Used: Kerr. Sent Off: Mjallby (85). Booked: Riseth, Mjallby. Goals: Viduka 9, Larsson 58, Viduka 83.

Referee: K Clark (Paisley).