Forrest hits Celtic century with hat-trick against Hibs

James Forrest took his tally for Celtic to 100 goals with a hat-trick as the Hoops thrashed Hibernian 6-1 to open up a five-point lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership on Saturday.

Forrest's appearances have been limited under Ange Postecoglou, but seized upon a rare start as Celtic bounced back from their elimination from the Champions League after a 2-0 defeat by RB Leipzig in midweek.

"I was really strong on the fact that, if we put on a performance like we did on Tuesday, the goals would come and the quality of our goals was great," said Postecoglou.

"It's why I thought some of the Champions League comments were ridiculous. We set out to play a certain way and we've fallen short in areas where, for the most part, I think we can improve, but it's not through a failure of endeavour or will.

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"We will never change our approach and the players wanted to show that today."

Forrest opened the floodgates after just nine minutes with a fine finish from Sead Haksabanovic's cross.

Giorgos Giakoumakis then swept home a second before Forrest's strike slipped through the hands of David Marshall as Celtic raced into a 3-0 lead after 25 minutes.

Elie Youan pulled a goal back for the visitors early in the second half, but Forrest's deflected strike completed his hat-trick to end any hope of a Hibs fightback.

Instead, Celtic extended their lead as Giakoumakis grabbed his second of the game before substitute Daizen Maeda silenced his critics by striking a sixth late on.

Rangers can cut the gap at the top back to two points when they travel to Motherwell on Sunday.

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St Mirren remain fourth in the table after they were held 0-0 at home by Kilmarnock.

Livingston are up to fifth after Dylan Bahamboula's first goal for the club earned a 1-0 win over St Johnstone.

Tony Watt rescued a point for Dundee United in a 1-1 draw between the bottom two at Ross County.