Chris Sutton has hailed Alistair Johnston for his “perfectly timed” run which saw him head in Celtic’s second goal in their 3-0 win over Motherwell on Sunday.

Brendan Rodgers’ side returned to the top of the Scottish Premiership table on goal difference after the convincing victory at Fir Park.

Luke McCowan opened the scoring on his first start for the Hoops before Alistair Johnston headed home from Alex Valle’s ball to double the lead. Adam Idah came off the bench to claim Celtic’s third, before suffering a crunching challenge from Liam Gordon which saw the Motherwell defender sent off after a VAR check.

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Chris Sutton, who was on commentary duty for Sky Sports, praised Johnston’s movement for the second goal. “Really patient work from Celtic, going from side to side and looking for those little openings,” he said.

“You could see the run, perfectly timed by Alistair Johnston and he powers that header in.

“I think it’s a part of his game under Brendan Rodgers that he has really improved. Those forward runs. He ghosts in. And a bit of breathing space for Celtic. Terrific ball and a clean header.”