Celtic have asserted their authority on the Scottish Premier League with a 3-0 win over Old Firm derby rivals Rangers on Sunday.

The Hoops were clinical in disposing of 'Gers, largely thanks to an early double from in-form striker Gary Hooper.

The 23-year old kicked off proceedings when he fired home past Allan McGregor after being fed by Kris Commons in the 17th minute before doubling the advantage just over ten minutes later when he stabbed home Emilio Izaguirre's cross from the left for his 13th league goal in 16 appearances this term.

Rangers tried in vain to get back into the contest but it was put further out of their reach when Commons got himself on the scoresheet with a 70th minute swerving finish as Hooper turned provider.

The win put Celtic eight points clear of Rangers and although the Ibrox club have two games in hand, it is a nice little break for Neil Lennon's men who have won nine of their last 10 league matches and have not been beaten in 14 outings.

They next meet fifth-placed Motherwell at Fir Park on Sunday as Rangers host eighth-placed St Johnstone.