Celtic wrapped up the Scottish Premier League title with seven matches still play with a 5-1 thrashing of Partick Thistle at Firhill.
The Glasgow giants now hold an unassailable 26-point lead over Aberdeen who are in a three-way fight with Motherwell and Dundee United to finish as runners-up.
The win over Partick, their 27th in 31 matches, was secured with four goals after the break, Anthony Stokes adding to his first half header with a second while teenager Liam Henderson, Stefan Johansen and Kris Commons also found the back of the net.
The absence of arch-rivals Rangers has devalued Celtic’s achievement in winning a 45th league title in the eyes of many. But that sentiment could not dampen the unbridled joy of Celtic boss Neil Lennon at the final whistle.
Lennon, who becomes the fourth Celtic manager to win three titles on the bounce, praised his team for their desire to go out and beat whatever opposition is put in front of them.
He said: “It’s breathtaking to win the championship. That’s nine since
2000-01 so the domination continues. You can see the progress the team is making. In the league the consistency of the performances has been fantastic. It’s what the Celtic public demand and the style of football we’re playing is very pleasing.
“We lost seven games last season but the Champions League took a lot out of us. It did this season but we wanted to stay focused on being consistent. We’ll come back next year and try to improve on our cup form as well as our league form.
“We’re an outstanding team and the club’s strategy is spot on. The players’ will to win is everything you could ask for as a manager and I’m very proud of them.”
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