Celtic climbed back to the top of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League after a nervy 2-1 win over spirited Dundee United at Parkhead.

A first-half header from defender Glenn Loovens and a deflected Georgios Samaras strike seven minutes after the break had appeared to take the game beyond the Tannadice men who had, at times, out-passed the champions.

However, Craig Levein's side showed commendable spirit and David Robertson's strike after 57 minutes ensured a tension-filled end to the game, but the champions hung on and are now a point ahead of rivals Rangers - who play Hibernian at Easter Road on Wednesday night.

United dominated possession, playing some neat football but in the 13th minute Celtic midfielder Scott Brown, back after a two-game ban, drove forward before sending Scott McDonald scurrying down the right.

When the Parkhead striker's cross came, Samaras' left-footed shot bounced in to the ground and past United goalkeeper Lukasz Zaluska - only to hit the post before it was cleared away to safety.

Celtic forged ahead in the 21st minute through Loovens after United skipper Lee Wilkie had conceded a corner defending an Andreas Hinkel cross. Shunsuke Nakamura flighted the ball into a busy six-yard box and the big Dutchman rose highest to flick the ball past Zaluska.

It looked an uphill task for United at the start of the second half but within three minutes, Boruc had to rush from his line to block Sandaza's angled drive after a clever pass from Morgaro Gomis had put him in.

The game seemed over in the 52nd minute when Samaras made it 2-0 with a fortuitous goal. Brown combined with McDonald to set up the Greece international 20 yards from goal but his shot initially appeared harmless until it took a clear deflection off Wilkie to wrong-foot Zaluska.

Robertson reduced the lead in the 57th minute when he appeared at the far post to despatch Paul Dixon's deep cross past Boruc.

And referee Stuart Dougal's full-time whistle was greeted with relief from the Celtic fans and all eyes turn to Easter Road.