Kyogo Furuhashi scored a double as Celtic were made to work for an eventual 4-1 victory at Ross County to move 18 points clear in the Scottish Premiership.
The Hoops dominated from kick-off as they looked to extend their winning run in 2025 to three games after their Old Firm upset, and Kyogo fired in from Alistair Johnston’s brilliant pass to send them on their way.
However, Jordan White pulled County level from the penalty spot after the break following a lengthy VAR check on Johnston’s foul on new signing Kieran Phillips.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Kyogo Furuhashi’s instinctive finish opened the scoring for Celtic against Ross County
After Kyogo’s powerful header put Celtic back in front, they were then awarded a spot-kick in stoppage time for James Brown’s challenge on Reo Hatate with Arne Engels converting at the second attempt.
Luke McCowan knocked a fourth into the net after managing three touches in the box to send the Hoops further out of reach of Rangers, who play on Sunday. Ross County remain 10th.
Kyogo’s versatility key for Celtic
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Kyogo’s cute header put Celtic ahead for the second time
Brendan Rodgers shifted Kyogo wide after Daizen Maeda joined James Forrest and Nicolas Kuhn on the injured list and Luis Palma was given compassionate leave.
Visiting goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel looked like he had layered up for the -5C temperatures but he faced two shots inside the first two minutes as Celtic twice gave the ball away on the frosty pitch. Neither were on target.
Adam Idah stabbed a shot into the side-netting as Celtic settled down and the Irishman then set up Johnston to force the first save with a flick towards goal.
Celtic had a penalty claim rejected by Matthew MacDermid when Reo Hatate got in front of Elijah Campbell and was knocked off balance after the pair collided.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Jordan White’s clinical penalty drew Ross County level
Kyogo passed up a good chance when he stabbed the ball straight at Jordan Amissah from close range but he opened the scoring in the 40th minute when he steered home Johnston’s inch-perfect cross after a slick move.
Amissah made a double stop from Idah and Furuhashi following left-back Alex Valle’s cross before home boss Don Cowie made a double switch at half-time, bringing on target men Kieran Phillips and White.
Hyun-jun Yang forced a save early in the half but County’s substitution paid off when White netted after Johnston had pushed Phillips in the goalmouth.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Take a look at Celtic’s third goal which included VAR controversy, a retaken penalty and a bullish celebration from Arne Engels!
Rodgers brought on 21-year-old striker Johnny Kenny for a debut following the Irishman’s prolific loan spell with Shamrock Rovers but he shot straight at Amissah from 10 yards with his first chance.
Celtic got back in front when Engels crossed from the left and Furuhashi headed into the top corner despite Amissah getting his hands to the effort.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Luke McCowan scores Celtic’s fourth goal at the death
Engels then netted from a retaken penalty after James Brown was eventually penalised for a challenge on Yang following a VAR review. Amissah saved the first effort but was adjudged to have moved off his line following another VAR intervention.
McCowan soon slotted home eight minutes into stoppage time after some good skill.
Johnny Kenny made his Celtic debut in Dingwall