Kilmarnock 1 Celtic 4: Instant reaction to the burning issues

While mathematically not sealed for another two games at least, it is just a matter of time before Ange Postecoglou hoists the trophy with his side in scintillating form.

It took just six minutes for free-scoring Celtic to find the net in Ayrshire with Kyogo Furuhashi latching onto a loose Fraser Murray pass to drive into the box, cut onto his left foot and lash home.

On 12 minutes the contest looked all but over with Celtic doubling their lead and Kilmarnock heads looking skyward for some sort of relief from the constant Celtic onslaught.

Alistair Johnston had space to stand up a cross to the back-post where Daizen Maeda nodded home.

Six minutes later and Celtic were cruising with Matt O’Riley afforded far too much space in the box and he tucked home into the bottom corner.

By 21 minutes it should have been a four-goal cushion but Kyogo could only strike the base of the post with a spot-kick after Christian Doidge tripped Greg Taylor in the area.

However, Celtic would find a fourth after 27 minutes as Murray sliced a clearance high into the air for O’Riley to control and apply a curling finish with aplomb.

To their credit, Kilmarnock would rally as the break approached, and Liam Donnelly would force home a consolation after he and Daniel Armstrong were denied by Joe Hart.

A much-improved second half would come from the Ayrshire men with chances to further reduce the deficit.

Luke Chambers and Kyle Vassell went desperately close in the closing stages, but Celtic never looked like losing their lead.

READ MORE: Postecoglou insists Klinsmann will get best out of Oh for South Korea

Celtic march for the title rolls on

Ninety-one points, 102 goals scored, a colossal 78 goal difference and a 12-point lead over their nearest challengers. You could say it’s been a pretty pleasing season for Celtic so far.

There are just 18 points left to play for in the league season, and on current form you wouldn’t bet against Celtic ending the domestic campaign with a flawless flourish.

In all probability the league season is over, but Celtic will have to wait another couple of matches to be officially crowned league winners – with May 13/14 a possible title party date.

Postecoglou certainly won’t be lowering his demands with trophy day in sight, but it’s understandable that fans are anticipating the post-split fixtures with excitement over a celebration home or away.

Jurgen Klinsmann in town to watch ‘special’ Oh

South Korea boss Jurgen Klinsmann was an interested onlooker at Rugby Park with national team prospect Oh Hyeon-gyu the primary reason for his trip to Ayrshire.

The World Cup winneris in the UK to watch a number of South Korea stars – including Spurs’ Heung-min Son – in action.

And he was treated to a second-half showing from Oh against Kilmarnock with Postecoglou giving the striker a chance to impress after working under Klinsmann earlier this year.

Ahead of the match, Klinsmann had commented: “He's a very special talent.

"I had him with me in the last two matches against Colombia and Uruguay and he left a very, very positive impression so I am curious to see him here.

"I think the move to Scotland will absolutely help him. If you have the opportunity to play for a club like Celtic, a massive club, it's not easy for young players, he's fighting for minutes and it's a big learning curve.”

READ MORE: Alistair Johnston insists Celtic can vastly improve on Rangers showing

No Jota or Carter-Vickers, no problem for Celtic

There might well have been eyebrows raised over Jota and Cameron Carter-Vickers’ absence from the Celtic squad against Kilmarnock.

The key duo didn’t make the trip to Rugby Park due to concerns over the artificial surface.

While Celtic supporters will be thrilled that there are no serious injury worries, perhaps even more pleasing will have been the performances of Tomoki Iwata, Yuki Kobayashi and Sead Haksabanvovic.

There is little doubt Jota and Carter-Vickers are obvious first-choice players at Celtic, but Postecoglou’s squad depth showed in Ayrshire with Celtic looking every bit as impressive despite the squad rotation.

With Oh, David Turnbull, Aaron Mooy, Rocco Vata making sub appearances it’s clear Postecoglou has carefully crafted an impressive squad packed with the necessary experience and craft to compete on all fronts domestically.

Kilmarnock must start picking up points

Derek McInnes might rightly point to the match against Celtic as one which won’t necessarily define Kilmarnock’s season.

But a bruising defeat to the champions-elect is more than just a result to dismiss. The defeat keeps Kilmarnock in the relegation play-off spot but dents their goal difference to minus 31.

With just a point between the bottom three, that could prove a decisive factor in the basement battle.

But, perhaps more pressing for McInnes will be raising spirits at Kilmarnock, with Murray’s performance on Sunday suggesting confidence had taken a knock against Celtic.

Culpable for the opener, he lost Johnston for the second and sliced his clearance before the fourth.

It was a torturous day, capped when he jogged off after being subbed on the half-hour.

David Watson a real talent

For all the understandable concern around Rugby Park, David Watson represented a beacon of hope.

The teenager, just 18, could easily have had his head down under siege from Celtic. Instead, he was undeterred and offered a bright and positive impact.

Clever on the ball, keen to burst forward form midfield and not afraid to stick a foot in, Watson looks a serious prospect who is clearly benefitting from first-team football.

It's little wonder clubs such as Tottenham Hotspur have been credited with an interest in the Prestwick-born emerging talent.

It’s understood there has been no contact from the Premier League club as of yet, McInnes and the Kilmarnock faithful will hope that’s the way it stays for the foreseeable.

Opposition number 69 Rocco Vata was another youngster to catch the eye. On for the final 20 minutes, the 17-year-old looked lively as he continued his run of sub appearances for Celtic. With five minutes left Ben Summers was also handed a cameo role.