Celtic have opened up a three-point lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership by edging to a 1-0 victory over Ross County this afternoon.

The Hoops dominated the opening exchanges and Kris Commons fired a strike from the edge of the box just wide of the post.

They came close again moments later when Leigh Griffiths was picked out by Emilio Izaguirre's cross at the back post, before heading over the bar.

On the half-hour mark John Guidetti had a chance for Celtic from a free kick, but he could only curl his strike over the bar.

The visitors barely threatened, but they had a glimpse of goal when Graham Carey fired in a strike that was saved by Craig Gordon.

At the end of the first half Commons saw his powerful free kick saved by Antonio Reguero, as the two sides headed into the break on level terms.

Celtic finally made the breakthrough seven minutes into the second half when a long-range strike from Commons took a deflection off Paul Quinn and looped into the net.

The Hoops had further chances to double their lead, but their one goal proved enough as they moved three points clear of Aberdeen at the top of the table.