Petrov grabs hat-trick

Celtic 5 Motherwell 0

There were suggestions after his match-winner at Rugby Park on Sunday that manager Gordon Strachan was in a hurry for him to sign a contract extension.

And it was clear to see why after he hit a superb hat-trick to inspire his team-mates, who also celebrated a Shaun Maloney strike and brilliant Shunsuke Nakamura free-kick.

Former Rangers goalkeeper Graeme Smith was beaten in the 14th minute as Petrov controlled Shaun Maloney’s pass and slotted the ball home.

Maloney hit the net two minutes later, with a low right-foot shot.

Then Craig Beattie found Petrov who curled a left-foot shot past Smith and into the bottom corner from just outside the area.

Nakamura showed just why Strachan bought him in the 71st minute when he sent a sensational free-kick into the top corner from 27 yards.

But the night belonged to Petrov and there was still time for him to blast home a great pass from Chris Sutton.

CELTIC: Boruc, Telfer, Balde, McManus, Camara (Wallace 59), Nakamura, Petrov, Lennon, Maloney, Sutton (McGeady 83), Beattie (Hartson 63).

MOTHERWELL: Graeme Smith, Corrigan, Craigan, Kinniburgh, Hammell (Paul Quinn 22), Fagan, Kerr, McLean (Fitzpatrick 73), Foran (Clarkson 68), Hamilton, Scott McDonald.

Referee: C Richmond (Scotland).