Kyogo Furuhashi scored a brace as Celtic were made to work for an eventual 4-1 win at Ross County to go 18 points clear in the Scottish Premiership.
The Hoops dominated from the start as they looked to extend their 2025 winning run to three games after their Old Firm upset, and Kyogo fired home Alistair Johnston’s superb pass to send them on their way.
However, Jordan White pulled County level from the penalty spot after the break following a lengthy VAR review for Johnston’s foul on new signing Kieran Phillips.
After Kyogo’s powerful header put Celtic ahead, they were then awarded a stoppage time penalty for James Brown’s challenge on Reo Hatate with Arne Engels converting at the second attempt.
Luke McCowan hit a fourth after taking 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 to Celtic
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Kyogo’s delightful header put Celtic ahead for a second time
Brendan Rodgers moved Kyogo wide as Daizen Maeda joined James Forrest and Nicolas Kuhn on the injured list and Luis Palma was given compassionate leave.
Visiting goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel looked prepared for the -5C temperatures, but he faced two strikes inside the first two minutes as Celtic twice conceded the ball on the cold pitch. Neither was targeted.
Adam Idah stabbed into the side netting as Celtic settled down and the Irishman then set up Johnston to force the first save with a low shot towards goal.
Celtic had a penalty denied by Matthew MacDermid when Reo Hatate came up against Elijah Campbell and was taken off balance after the pair collided.
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Jordan White’s clinical penalty drew Ross County level
Kyogo missed a good chance when he flicked the ball towards Jordan Amissah from close range, but he opened the scoring in the 40th minute when he headed home Johnston’s perfect cross after a brilliant move.
Amissah made a double stop from Idah and Furuhashi after left-back Alex Valle’s cross before home boss Don Cowie made a double change at half-time, targeting Kieran Phillips and White.
Hyun-jun Yang forced a save early in the half but the County substitute was rewarded when White scored after Johnston had pushed Phillips through on goal.
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Watch Celtic’s third goal, which involved VAR controversy, a converted penalty and a huge 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 went back in front when Engels crossed from the left and Furuhashi headed into the top corner, despite Amissah getting in front of the effort.
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Luke McCowan scores Celtic’s fourth goal at the death
Engels then scored from a converted penalty after James Brown was ultimately penalized for a challenge on Yang following a VAR review. Amissah saved the first effort but was adjudged to have gone off his line after another VAR intervention.
McCowan quickly scored eight minutes into stoppage time after some fine skill.
Johnny Kenny made his Celtic debut at Dingwall
