Inverness battled back from two goals down and then survived the sending-off of David Proctor to record a stunning 3-2 victory over Celtic.

The result left the table-toppers' advantage over Rangers in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League at just two points - and the Gers have two games in hand.

Two first-half goals in two minutes from Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink put Celtic in control at the Caledonian Stadium, but John Rankin set up a scintillating second half by scoring a penalty not long before the break following Steven Pressley's foul on Marius Niculae.

A header from David Proctor brought Caley level and then Don Cowie's stabbed finish put the home side into the lead and the Highlanders held on to that hard-earned advantage despite Proctor's 68th-minute dismissal for hauling down Scott McDonald when the Australian was clean through on goal.

Cowie told Setanta Sports: "That's four wins on the trot for us and we have gone from second bottom to seventh.

"And, with the confidence that we will take from this, you never know what can happen."

Of his winning goal, Cowie added: "That's five for the season now so I'm absolutely delighted.

"For it to be the winner against Celtic was extra nice."

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