Out Of The League Cup But Top Of The League...

Celtic 3 Kilmarnock 0

Last week was a roller-coaster for Celtic's fans, with elimination from the CIS Insurance Cup on Wednesday at the hands of Hearts and a dominating 3-0 win over Kilmarnock that extended their lead over second-placed Hibs (Rangers' match against Dundee United was abandoned at half-time because of bad weather) to three points in the Scottish Premier League.

After losing 1-0 at home to Hearts in the League Cup on Wednesday, Celtic provided the perfect pick-up for their supporters with a convincing win over mid-table Kilmarnock.

Aiden McGeady opened the scoring in the 13th minute with a clinical finish from a tight angle on goal,

Georgios Samaras extended their lead after half-an-hour with an unstoppable strike from his head that rocketed past 'keeper Cameron Bell and substitute Niall McGinn got his first goal for Celtic with 12 minutes left on the clock.

Tony Mowbray was much happier after the win, but comparing it to Wednesday's loss he said: "I thought the level of performance was very similar to Wednesday night. I think we controlled the game again - but today a few goals went in.

"Goals cloud people's judgement of matches, and I can understand that.

"I'm delighted for Aiden and that he got his goal. He's a class act and can do things other players can't.

"There have not been many days when I've been disappointed with Aiden - and Shaun - and then we've got Pat and Niall who can come in as well."

First-choice goalkeeper Artur Boruc is likely to miss at least two weeks, possibly three after having minor knee surgery, meaning that he will miss Celtic's upcoming Europa League rematch against Hamburg SV.

Speaking to BBC Scotland, Celtic manager Tony Mowbray said: "Artur won't be on the bench on Thursday night. He's had some cartilage removed. We just had to clarify that Dominic Cervi could replace him in the squad for the Europa League."

Dominic Cervi, from America, was on the bench for this weekend's match against Kilmarnock and has had to be added to Celtic's UEFA squad.

Former Celtic striker Henrik Larsson has played his last professional game, retiring after Helsingborg's 2-0 loss to Djurgarden in the Swedish League on Wednesday.

The 38-year-old was obviously emotional as the fans gave him a standing ovation and tributes from Swedish coach Lars Lagerback, Manchester United's Sir Alex Ferguson and fellow Swedish international Zlatan Ibrahimovic, among others, were played at the ground.

He told reporters that he had not decided what direction his career would now take, noting, "I don't know if I have to go down to the employment agency and do certain things, but I have the luck and luxury to be able to say no to jobs which are offered to me.

"But obviously there is an emptiness at present, and I need to fill that emptiness with something.

"I'm fortunate enough to have earned enough money to be able to sit back and not panic, but I have to do something. I can't just glide through the rest of life."