Georgios Samaras earned champions Celtic a 1-0 win over Aberdeen that put them two points ahead of Rangers in the Scottish Premier League.

The Greek striker headed home in the 56th minute from 10 yards following a free-kick by Barry Robson.

But Celtic had to survive a first half scare when Scott Severin cracked a shot that hit both posts before landing in the arms of Polish keeper Artur Boruc in the fourth minute.

Celtic top the standings with 77 points from 34 games while Rangers have 75 points from 31.

Rangers face second division St Johnstone in their Scottish FA Cup semi-final on Sunday.

Elsewhere, Laryea Kingston's 30-yard free-kick earned Hearts a 3-2 win over St Mirren at Tynecastle, while Inverness Caledonian Thistle increased the gap between themselves and Kilmarnock to six points by beating their rivals 3-0.

The game between Falkirk and bottom club Gretna ended goalless.

Hamilton Accademical won promotion to the top flight for the first time in 19 years as second division champions after beating Clyde 2-0 on Saturday to clinch the title.

SUNDAY TEAM NEWS

Dundee United v Hibernian

Darren Dods had been virtually ruled out of the clash after appearing to have aggravated a muscle injury in his foot, but he stunned manager Craig Levein by returning to training on Friday.

That is good news for the United boss, who was preparing to send out a makeshift defence with Garry Kenneth suspended.

Influential midfielder Guillaume Beuzelin returns for Hibs after a knee injury but midfielder Brian Kerr (ankle) is out and boss Mixu Paatelainen faces a potential defensive problem with captain Rob Jones banned and Chris Hogg (knee) a major doubt.

Yves Ma-Kalambay and Andrew McNeil are vying to start in goal.

Tom Williams / Eurosport / Reuters