Mika Baur scored his first Celtic goal as the champions extended their winning start to the Scottish Premiership title defence with six straight victories. Martin O'Neill made five changes, with Kasper Hogh returning from injury and Sam Johnstone starting in goal, ahead of a Europa League tie and an Old Firm cup and league double.

The on-loan keeper produced a huge save to deny Joel Cotterill on his first St Johnstone start, as the hosts enjoyed the best of the chances early on. Celtic took the lead after the break when Baur tapped in from Haissem Hassan's cross, though the Egypt international was later denied a second when the ball was ruled out of play.

St Johnstone, unbeaten at McDiarmid Park this season, pushed for an equaliser but Celtic held on to stay five points clear of second-placed Rangers. The result marks Celtic's 13th win in a row overall, stretching back to last season, and sets up a crucial league match against Rangers next Sunday, live on Sky Sports.