Christmas came early to Hibs as they secured three points thanks to Artur Boruc's misjudgement of a speculative effort from all of 45 yards from John Rankin. Celtic's lead in the SPL is now just four points after Hibs prevented them from recording their 13th successive league win by winning 2-0 today. The game was fairly tight until Rankin scored 10 minutes into the second half and despite Celtic raising the tempo, Colin Nish sealed Hibs win victory following a slick break in the 69th minute. Boruc also endured a disastrous afternoon when Celtic lost 3-2 at Easter Road last season - but his poor display that day was seen as an aberration. Celtic in general were off colour as they failed to find their attacking flow or extend their four-point lead over Rangers. Gordon Strachan named Shunsuke Nakamura and Georgios Samaras as subs to allow Glenn Loovens and Cillian Sheridan to come in. That meant a midfield role for Gary Caldwell while Mark Wilson returned to fitness to replace the injured Barry Robson at left-back. Hibs Mixu Paatelainan also made three changes with former Celt Derek Riordan making way for Nish, Steven Thicot and Alan O'Brien coming into midfield.

Thicot and Shaun Maloney had long-range efforts comfortably saved in the early stages, but the first quarter was devoid of goalmouth action. Celtic were edging possession and Paul Hartley saw another long-range effort deflected wide but the Hibs central defence dominated in the air. Celtic were lacking an outlet in right midfield as Scott Brown drifted inside but Maloney set up a chance from the opposite flank when his low cross found Sheridan, only for Ian Murray to produce a great block. Hibs created their first chance in the 29th minute but Steven Fletcher was off target after rounding Boruc outside the box. Rankin had played a superb ball over the top after a tidy piece of skill on the right, but Fletcher was forced wide by Boruc and he shot high and wide as a defender ran back to cover. The home side pushed forward for a good spell but Celtic soon hit back. Mark Wilson's cross flashed across the six-yard box after Scott McDonald failed to get enough weight on his near-post flick. Rob Jones then slid in on Maloney inside the penalty area to stop the Celtic winger finishing off a mazy run.

John Rankin celebrates scoring the first goal for Hibernian
Action Images / Andrew Boyers Livepic © Action Images