Source: PA
Stokes returns to haunt Hibs
Anthony Stokes scored twice on his return to Easter Road as Clydesdale Bank Premier League leaders Celtic claimed a comfortable 3-0 win over Hibernian.
After setting up a 44th-minute opener for Gary Hooper, who was returning from an ankle injury, Stokes tucked in a 50th-minute penalty after he was brought down by Lewis Stevenson.
Stokes, who moved to Celtic last August after helping Hibs to fourth place last season, skillfully netted his second after 64 minutes to confirm a 12th league loss of the season for his former club.
A 15th win of the campaign consolidated Celtic's place at the top of the SPL and saw the Bhoys end a difficult week on a high. Neil Lennon's men now have 49 points, but Rangers have games in hand.
Manager Lennon - one of three intended targets to receive bullets in the post, along with fellow Northern Irishmen Niall McGinn and Paddy McCourt - is appealing a six-match touchline ban imposed this week after he was sent to the stand during a defeat by Hearts in November.
The ban did not prevent Lennon from branding the performance of referee Willie Collum as "not good enough" in the 1-1 draw at Hamilton on Wednesday night - but the victory at Hibs at least put a smile back on his face.
