Robbie Keane gave Neil Lennon his second win as Celtic caretaker boss as his penalty secured a 1-0 victory over Hibernian on Sunday. Lennon, who replaced sacked manager Tony Mowbray last month, oversaw a 3-1 win over Kilmarnock in his first game and on-loan Tottenham star Keane's second half spot-kick extended the interim chief's 100 percent record.
The win at Easter Road also moved second-placed Celtic back to within 10 points of leaders Rangers. Polish goalkeeper Lukasz Zaluska was back between the posts for Celtic as his compatriot Artur Boruc was left out due to a family bereavement.
Zaluska was called into action after just five minutes as he pushed Ian Murray's header away for a corner. From the set-piece, Hibs had another chance but defender Sol Bamba shot over the bar from close-range.
Hibs were well on top in the opening stages and Zaluska had to make another good save. Anthony Stokes raced clear of the Hoops defence and tried to drive a shot in at the near post but Zaluska saved well. Lennon's side threatened for the first time when Lee Naylor's corner was headed back across goal by Georgios Samaras and Josh Thompson volleyed over.
Then referee Charlie Richmond ignored a penalty claim from Keane after he claimed Murray had handled the ball in the area. The visitors were below their best in the first half and it was Hibs who almost took the lead when Stokes had the ball in the Celtic net in the 39th minute, only for the offside flag to rule it out.
Keane has been in prolific form since his loan move from Tottenham, but the Republic of Ireland striker mis-kicked from Marc-Antoine Fortune's cross two minutes before the interval.