GLASGOW, Apr 5 (SW) - Celtic secured their 40th Scottish League championship on Wednesday with a narrow win over second-place side Hearts at Parkhead. An early goal by John Hartson was all they needed to clinch the championship with six games to spare.

Celtic - Hearts 1-0

Hartson, who was also celebrated his 31st birthday on Wednesday, opened the scoring when he hit a superb volley off the fingers of Hearts goalkeeper Craig Gordon and into the net, much to the delight of Hoops supporters.

Hearts though were the aggressors for most of the match and nearly pulled level when Roman Bednar fired a shot for the corner of the net, but a sprawling Artur Boruc forced the ball behind for a corner kick.

The visitors also had another great chance from Andy Webster saved by Boruc, and the same player had a goal disallowed for offside early in the second half. Bednar then again forced Boruc into a fine save.

Despite enormous pressure on Boruc's goal, the Celtic defense held on to grab the victory and move 20 points clear at the top.

Hearts have only a three-point over Rangers for the second Champions League spot from the Scotland, and the two sides still have one head-to-head meeting remaining this season. Hearts will also meet Celtic again before the season is done.

Hibernian - Kilmarnock 2-1

Hibs moved to within seven points of third-placed Rangers after coming from a goal down to defeat Kilmarnock on Wednesday in Edinburgh, just a few days after being drubbed by rivals Hearts in the Scottish Cup semi-finals.

Gary Wales put Killie in front in the 19th minute when he converted from inside the Hibs penalty area, but the home side didn't equalize until Derek Riordan struck ten minutes from time.

A pass in from the left by Gary Caldwell found Paul Dalglish in the Kilmarnock area with just three minutes left, and Dalglish put the shot away to snatch the win.