O’Neill hails hotshot Hartson

Celtic 4 Hearts 2

The Welsh striker fired a treble as the champions closed the gap on Rangers at the top of the Premier League to a single point with a 4-2 victory over plucky Hearts at Parkhead. But the Welsh international’s third also earned praise after his brilliant volley gave the Hoops a 3-2 lead in a pulsating clash.

Mark de Vries had given the visitors a shock fourth-minute lead before Hartson equalised a minute before the break. However, the Tynecastle forward struck again before Hartson rounded Roddy McKenzie two minutes later. A superb volley by the Welshman put Celtic ahead before Henrik Larsson clinched the points which closed the gap behind Rangers to just one point.