Ladbrokes Premiership

KILMARNOCK 0

CELTIC 2

CELTIC boss Brendan Rodgers saluted Killie counterpart Lee McCulloch after the champions proved too strong for the Rugby Park side in the lunchtime TV game on Saturday.

Now the Killie gaffer is looking to start picking up points as form team Hamilton Accies head to Rugby Park on Saturday after picking up two wins from their opening three matches.

Rodgers said after the match: "Lee is an outstanding manager. I know the season hasn't started well for him in terms of results.But I was really impressed with him when I saw him working as an assistant with Lee Clark, he did really well and I am even more impressed with him since he has become a manager. Sometimes you can get a couple of results and it can go against you a wee bit and in your first job you find yourself under pressure. Ok, it was tough for him in terms of the result, but I believe this start will be good for him in the end and he will go on to progress very well."

McCulloch said: "It is very flattering to hear Brendan speak about myself like that. I think he knows how hard we are working and what we are trying to do. I have been speaking to him quite a lot. It is pleasing to hear but we do have to start picking up points now. I told the boys that in the three games we have played we have done OK in them, but we have no points. I would rather not play well and pick up points."

Back to the action and Celtic, who fielded a young team, began strongly as they retained possession. The back four of Kieran Tierney, Anthon Ralston, Kris Ajer and Calvin Miller coasted through the opening period.

Benyu and Ralston missed a couple of early chances and at the other Ralston made a clearing header at the back post.

The deadlock was broken in 40 minutes when Tom Rogic dodged a challenge from Iain Wilson and teed up James Forrest to net from eight yards.

Killie striker Kris Boyd was alone up front the Celtic players kept him in check.

Then with two minutes remaining victory was sealed when Callum McGregor drew home goalie Jamie MacDonald out of his goal and slotted the ball low into the bottom corne.

KILMARNOCK: MacDonald; O'Donnell, Greer, Wilson, Taylor, Thomas, McKenzie, Frizzell, Smith, Jones, K Boyd. Subs: Brophy, Waters, Power, Burke, Bell, Spencer, S Boyd.

STARMAN: Gordon Greer 3

Stephen O'Donnell 2

Iain Wilson 1.