Celtic topples Hearts to extend SPL lead

Edinburgh, Scotland – Celtic moved four points clear of place Rangers on Wednesday after securing a 4-0 win over Hearts at Tynecastle Stadium.

The Hoops charged out to a three-goal lead in the first 30 minutes with goals from Scott Brown, Victor Wanyama and Joe Ledley, while Gary Hooper added a fourth goal on the hour mark to extend Celtic's winning streak to 13 games.

Brown needed just three minutes to put his team in front as he found the lower corner of the net with a shot from 12 yards.

James Forrest set up the next tally in the 20th minute when picked out Wanyama with a pass that the midfielder dispatched past goalkeeper Jamie MacDonald from inside the penalty area.

Ledley put his name on the scoresheet on the half-hour mark when Georgios Samaras crossed the ball into the area from the left and the Wales international got his head to it, redirecting it past MacDonald from six yards.

The scoring was capped 30 minutes from time by Hooper, who beat the 'keeper from close range after being set up by Wanyama.

Hearts remains in fourth despite sustaining its second successive defeat.