The former St Mirren player - on loan from Norwich - scored in the 32nd minute against the run of play when he volleyed home from 10 yards after Artur Boruc had parried a Marc Fitzpatrick drive.

Motherwell midfielder Bob Malcolm was shown a straight red card five minutes after the interval for an over-the-top tackle on Massimo Donati, but Celtic failed to capitalise.

The 1-0 defeat means Gordon Strachan's side are still six points behind Rangers who now have two games in hand, the first of which comes Sunday at Dundee United.

Hibernian had two goals in the first five minutes to thank for keeping their bid for a UEFA Cup place alive against St Mirren.

Colin Nish chipped in the opener after a dreadful mistake from Buddies goalkeeper Chris Smith and Merouane Zemmama drove in a second barely 90 seconds later.

St Mirren bossed the match thereafter and Andrew McNeil had to make two vital saves from Will Haining late on to preserve the 2-0 margin and earn the three points which helped Hibs climb to fourth, behind Motherwell but now ahead of Dundee United.

Hearts saw their hopes of a top-six finish ended when they were held to a goalless draw at Kilmarnock.

The Jambos needed a victory at Rugby Park to retain any hope of ending the season in the top half of the table and that coveted spot will now be battled for by Aberdeen and Falkirk at Pittodrie on Monday night.

Stephen Frail had transformed Hearts' fortunes since the turn of the year after slipping as low as second-bottom at one stage, but today's clash proved a step too far for the caretaker boss.

Two goals in two minutes earned Inverness their first win in 12 games as they beat Gretna in front of a record low Clydesdale Bank Premier League attendance at Fir Park.

Only 431 fans watched Gretna goalkeeper Greg Fleming rescue his side numerous times before Roy McBain fired Caley Thistle ahead in the 71st minute.

Don Cowie soon made it two but Craig Barr then gave the fans of closure-threatened Gretna something to cheer.