Scott McDonald´s first goal in six games inspired Celtic to a 3-0 victory over Gretna at Almondvale and reduced Rangers´ lead at the top of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League to three points ahead of next week´s Old Firm clash at Ibrox.

Two minutes from the interval the Australian international pounced on to a flick from Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink to drive home from close range.

In the 70th minute the big Dutchman secured the points when he headed an Aiden McGeady cross past Gretna keeper Greg Fleming and Celtic substitute Georgios Samaras, on for McDonald, grabbed the third two minutes from the end.