Scottish Premier League: Dundee United 0 Celtic 1

A Gary Hooper goal after 12 minutes at Dundee United moved Celtic back to within four points of league leaders Rangers on Sunday.

United rarely threatened and were poor in possession throughout, a wayward shot by winger Willo Flood their best effort.

Celtic attacked from the kick-off and Georgios Samaras burst down the left before firing across a low centre that Anthony Stokes was inches away from connecting with.

The visitors were pinning United back and James Forrest skilfully evaded John Rankin and crossed for Stokes, whose header looped over the crossbar.

It was the turn of the Tangerines to exert some pressure and driven crosses by Rankin and Robbie Neilson required last-ditch clearances from the visiting defence.

But Celtic soon opened the scoring with Hooper and Forrest combining well on the break.

The striker received Forrest’s return pass, skipped past Gavin Gunning and beat goalkeeper Dusan Pernis.

Forrest then played a one-two with Stokes to beat the offside trap but the winger planted his shot straight into the arms of Pernis.

United’s frustration at having so few chances was demonstrated by Johnny Russell’s hurried shot from distance that flew wide.

The home side’s inability to retain meaningful possession continued after the break but Celtic were doing little to turn their superior territory into a more convincing lead.

Flood’s inswinging corner was beaten away by Forster as the game became ever more scrappy.

Flood then blazed wide from a promising position and that proved to be the midfielder’s last contribution as Ryan Dow came on in his place.

At the other end, Forrest was also off target with two efforts from the left as Celtic closed out the game.