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Hoops ease past Buddies

A wonderful solo goal by Paddy McCourt and a late strike by Shaun Maloney gave Celtic a routine 2-0 victory over St Mirren in their Clydesdale Bank Premier League encounter at St Mirren Park.

A dull match only came to life in the 27th minute when the former Derry City player picked up the ball in midfield and skipped past a variety of challenges before driving past Paul Gallacher.

The SPL leaders were rarely troubled and 12 minutes from the end Maloney curled the ball past Gallacher via a deflection off Scott McDonald to seal the win and give Celtic a five-point lead at the top of the table.