Celtic overtake Rangers

Updated 17.42 Sat Apr 19 2008

Keywords: Rangers, Aberdeen, Celtic

Celtic have leapfrogged Glasgow rivals Rangers to go top of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

Greek striker Georgios Samaras fired the Hoops into the top spot for the first time since January with the only goal of an otherwise disappointing clash with Aberdeen at Parkhead.

Greek striker Georgios Samaras fired the Hoops into the top spot for the first time since January with the only goal of an otherwise disappointing clash with Aberdeen at Parkhead

Celtic move two points clear but the 'Gers now have three games in hand.

Gary Caldwell's involvement in a brawl on the pitch at the end of Wednesday's Old Firm clash earned him a one-match ban and allowed Bobo Balde to make his first Celtic appearance since December.

Key striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink was also sidelined with an injury, along with Lee Naylor and Paul Hartley.

Aberdeen's best chance came when Scott Severin's 25-yard screamer hit the right-hand post then trickled along the goal line past goal-keeper Artur Boruc, only for referee Billy Baxter to signal it had not crossed the line.

Full-back Paul Caddis helped the defending champions hold on to the slender win by blocking Lee Miller's close-range shot.

Elsewhere in the Scottish Premier League, Hearts midfielder Laryea Kingston notched a superb free-kick to give the hosts all three points in a 3-2 victory over St Mirren.

Inverness cruised to a 3-0 victory over Kilmarnock and relegated Gretna held Falkirk to a 0-0 draw.