The Kenya international, 20, signed from Belgian side Beerschot AC in the summer, started the game in midfield before returning to defence for the start of the second half and came forward to break the deadlock in the 72nd minute when he drove high past Gorgie keeper Marian Kello from outside the box.

Wanyama, though, did have Fraser Forster to thank for the win after the Hoops keeper saved a penalty from Jambos midfielder Eggert Jonsson which was awarded against the African for handball with two minutes remaining.

"It was my first Celtic goal and I was really happy to score it in front of my own fans," said Wanyama.

"It was the best goal of my career. I can't describe how I felt, it was a very good moment.

"It was very difficult (to celebrate) because I didn't know what to do.

"It was a good strike, I hit it really hard and my eyes were on the ball.

"I didn't know the ball was going to go in, I just saw it in the net. I am happy."

Wanyama claims he was unaware referee Calum Murray had given the penalty against him.

"I didn't know he awarded the penalty against me because I didn't feel that I touched the ball with my hand," he said.

"I will need to see it again. I jumped with my head and I don't know if I touched it with my hand. It was a bad moment.

"Fraser saved the penalty so I was happy for him. I spoke to him and I am happy he helped us to take three points."

Neil Lennon claimed "a little bit of justice was done" with Forster's dramatic penalty save.

The Celtic boss, who revealed defender Glenn Loovens picked up another hamstring injury which means Kelvin Wilson, fit again from an Achilles problem, could be forced into action in the Europa League game against Udinese in Italy on Thursday night, said: "I am disappointed with the decision and disappointed by the way we dealt with the corner.

"I've seen it and I assume he's given it for handball.

"But if you actually see where the ball goes, it is impossible for Victor to play the ball in that direction with his hand.

"I don't know how much of a good view Calum got of it. I can understand a little bit why the decision was given because Victor has used his arms for leverage but for me, he has not contacted the ball, it came off (Ryan) Stevenson's head.

"Victor has progressed and he has been a tremendous signing for us.

"Fraser became the hero of he hour but there were a lot of good performances today.

"He was due one. We were asking when he was going to save a penalty for us so I was thrilled for him."

Lennon played down the unruly scenes after the final whistle when skipper Scott Brown, who had replaced Loovens at the break, got involved with several Hearts players.

"There's not a lot to write about there, a bit of verbal sparring," said the Irishman.

"I didn't see it but I do know that things were said to Scott as the penalty was awarded and I think he was giving a little bit of verbal back, nothing more than that.

"I thought he drove the team on in the second half it is perfect timing to have him back.

"Glenn had a hamstring problem. Kelvin should be ready for Thursday.

"He played 90 minutes in a bounce game on Wednesday, he should be okay."

Hearts continued their media ban, with no one from the Gorgie club appearing at the post-match press conference.