Celtic duo say title race isn't over yet

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Anthony Stokes and Gary Hooper both scored in the win over Hibernian© SNS Group

Celtic forwards Anthony Stokes and Gary Hooper refused to say the SPL title is already in the bag despite moving 17 points ahead of Rangers after their 5-0 win over Hibernian.

Hooper scored a double after Stokes had given the Hoops the lead at Easter Road as Neil Lennon’s men put on a dominant display in the capital.

Rangers were docked ten points this week after going into administration.

But despite their advantage, both Stokes and Hooper vowed to continue to work hard to claim the championship.

The Irishman told Sky Sports: "It was a great performance with some outstanding goals so we're delighted."

Earlier this week manager Neil Lennon said he wouldn’t view any title win as being devalued due to Rangers’ plight.

And speaking after Sunday’s win, Stokes agreed with his manager’s assessment.

He added: "It's not going to be. We're just focusing on our selves. We're in a good position in the league and concentrating on ourselves. We're there at the top and that's where we want to stay.

"The title race is still alive. We're going to go on to the last day in the title run-in. It was a very good performance today and we're delighted with the result."

Englishman Hooper said: "It was a good performance from both of us and the team, but we're taking it game by game.

"We've got a great squad, we keep a lot of clean sheets. The (defence) get on with their job and we get on with ours and we've got to keep doing that and look forward to the next game."

Neil Lennon was full of praise for the way his players performed.

"I'm lost for words with this team at the moment," he said.

"They're doing everything right. Their application is superb, their talent, their approach to the game is magnificent.

"Hibs started the game pretty well but once we got a foot in the game it was as good as we've played. Edinburgh has been a good place for us to come the last few weeks.

"With everything else that's going on it could have been a major distraction, but we've shown today we've still got the bit right between our teeth."

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