Celtic thrashed Ross County 4-1 to move 18 points clear in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday.

Kyogo Furuhashi scored a double as Hoops move further ahead In Scottish Premiership.

Furuhashi opened scoring in the first half as 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.

However, Furuhashi headed Celtic back in front as the Hoops dominated from kick-off as they looked to extend their winning run in 2025 to three games after their Old Firm upset.

Brendan Rodgers, the former Liverpool manager shifted Furuhashi 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 Hatate got in front of Elijah Campbell and was knocked off balance after the pair collided.

Furuhashi 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 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.

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 Kyogo headed into the top corner despite Amissah getting his hands to the effort.