Football: Bhoys within touching distance of the Scottish title.

Byline: Stuart Carruthers

CELTIC moved a massive step closer to winning their fourth SPL title in five years with a 2-1 victory against Hearts at Tynecastle yesterday afternoon, writes Stuart Carruthers. A first-half Alan Thompson goal against the run of play sent the Bhoys on their way and, although Hearts equalised with 20 minutes left, Craig Beattie scored to seal the three points seven minutes later.

Celtic backers would have had their hearts in their mouths when Jambo's skipper Steven Pressley went down in the box under a Beattie challenge in injury-time, but arbiter Willie Young judged the tackle fair and showed Pressley a second yellow card for diving. The victory puts Martin O'Neill's side two points clear of Old Firm rivals Rangers going into next Sunday's final round of games.

Celtic travel to Motherwell, while Rangers, who need to win and hope that the Bhoys fail to do so, visit Hibernian.

Even if the Gers do get a victory, Well boss Terry Butcher isn't that confident that he can help out his old club. ``I'm worried about that game,'' said Butcher.

``We'll try our best, but under difficult circumstances we might not be good enough.''

CAPTION(S):

Celtic players congratulate goalscorer Craig Beattie after their 2-1 victory over Hearts at Tynecastle yesterday