Celtic edge closer to Scottish Premiership frontrunners Hearts with victory over Hibs

Martin O'Neill preserved his unblemished record in domestic games as temporary Celtic manager, thanks to two rapid goals scored within 33 seconds of the first half that clinched a 2-1 triumph against Hibernian on Sunday.

The success propelled the current title holders to a position two points adrift of Scottish Premiership frontrunners Hearts, and they still have one fixture remaining.

Prior to the match starting, O'Neill disclosed that his role as caretaker for the Glasgow club would extend slightly further, with the 73 year old anticipated to lead the team for Wednesdays encounter with Dundee as Celtic finalise the documents for Wilfried Nancys appointment as their full time head coach.

"It feels a bit odd, truthfully," O'Neill said with a grin, commenting on the Frenchmans postponed debut at Parkhead. "I was jesting that whatever issue arose with the documents, I know nothing about it, perhaps Im the one concealing them!"

The Northern Irish figure, who once featured under renowned coach Brian Clough at Nottingham Forest, continued: "I learned of this only on Saturday, I truly believed this match would conclude my stint."

When questioned if Wednesdays game would certainly mark his final outing in charge, O'Neill responded: "Yes. In my view, without doubt. Yet earlier at 8:00am yesterday morning, I was convinced this was my closing match."

Strikes by Daizen Maeda and Arne Engels set the foundation for Celtics sixth success in seven outings under ONeill, who previously thrived in his initial tenure managing the Hoops between 2000 and 2005.

A misguided clearance from keeper Raphael Sallinger allowed Reo Hatate to intercept the ball effortlessly close to the Hibs penalty area. He passed it across for Maeda to gently tap it into the unguarded goal during the 27th minute.

Under a minute afterwards, Celtic extended their advantage at Easter Road as Engels courageously nodded in Hyun Jun Yangs delivery, enduring a kick to his head in the process.

Celtic nearly sealed the outcome decisively when Japanese attacker Maeda cleverly nudged the ball towards advancing Marcelo Saracchi, though the defenders effort rebounded off the upright.

Hibernian intensified their efforts post interval, and Martin Boyles neatly converted spot kick, given after Liam Scales handled the ball, proved a fitting gain.

The home side pushed intensely for a leveller, with Chris Cadden nearly succeeding towards the end as his attempt was blocked by Kasper Schmeichels outstretched legs.

Hearts, the fierce Edinburgh adversaries of Hibernian, surrendered points for the third consecutive league fixture on Saturday, finishing level at zero zero away to Motherwell.

Sundays remaining Premiership clashes feature Rangers hosting Falkirk, alongside bottom dwelling Livingston taking on Aberdeen.