Nir Bitton had the last laugh on Celtic team-mate Efe Ambrose after firing in a wonder strike to seal the 5-0 Scottish Premiership win over Dundee at Parkhead.
With two minutes remaining, and the home side cruising through goals from Leigh Griffiths, Scott Brown, Kris Commons (penalty) and substitute James Forrest, the Israeli midfielder smashed a 30-yard drive past Dees goalkeeper Scott Bain for his second goal of the season to take Ronny Deila's men 11 points clear of Aberdeen at the top of the table.
Bitton was glad to silence his tormentors in the Hoops squad - especially Ambrose.
"I tried to clear it and it went in the top corner," the 23-year-old said. "Seriously, it was a nice goal. I was so happy afterwards because the guys have been laughing at me all season, saying that I shoot terribly.
"I know that I have got it and I try all the time.
"Efe laughs the most, for sure. We had a bet (on Thursday) because he thinks he shoots better than me and he said he could beat me any time.
"So I was just happy for it to go in. I cannot lose to Efe.
"But seriously, I was lucky it went in and I am happy that we won - that is the most important thing."
Deila was happy to see Bitton get on the scoresheet.
The Norwegian said: "Nir has tried it many times this year. The players have been laughing at him for a long time so he bounced back today. It was a nice goal."
Celtic will win their fourth successive title if the Dons fail to beat Dundee United at Tannadice on Saturday.
Deila will be back in Norway for his twin daughters' confirmation, but will keep track of events by phone.
The former Stromsgodset boss said: "We'll see (on Saturday) if Dundee United can take points off Aberdeen, but if not we'll do everything to show we are the champions next weekend (when Celtic play Aberdeen).
"The players have a couple of days off, so they'll be with their families.
"I'm going to follow it on my phone. I will get all the messages in on my phone.
"I have a speech to make - you always do when there is a confirmation. I'm more nervous about that than anything else."
Deila was pleased by the way his side found their way past a Dundee side set up to defend.
He said: "It was a good performance. We got used to the way they were set up and we were patient.
"Some of the goals today were very good. The second goal was through very good passing and movement.
"The third was a penalty but the run was from Darnell Fisher and we need more of that.
"We have shown consistency since Christmas.
"We've lost one game in the league since then and had many solid performances and hardly conceded any goals."
Dundee boss Paul Hartley admitted his side had simply been outclassed.
"We came up against a rampant Celtic side who are on top form," the former Hoops midfielder said. "They were far too good for us."
Source: PA
