Brown dismissal gives Bhoys headache

CELTIC went top of the Clydesdale Bank Premier league with a narrow 1-0 win over Motherwell at Parkhead but saw skipper Scott Brown sent off which will see him miss Sunday’s Old Firm game at Ibrox.

Former Derry City man Paddy McCourt’s first-half strike separated the sides, but the Hoops should have had at least another three in a one-sided first half and in the 89th minute Brown, booked earlier for a foul on Chris Humphrey, received a second yellow for a foul on Stevie Hammell.

Celtic, who also saw substitute Daryl Murphy limp off injured, are now one point clear of Rangers, albeit having played two games more than the champions, but manager Neil Lennon will have to look for a replacement for the hot-headed Brown.