Barry Robson hit a 70th-minute penalty winner as Celtic came from behind to beat Rangers 3-2 and move five points clear at the top of the SPL.The Hoops went ahead early on at Parkhead on Sunday through Scott McDonald, but the Light Blues hit back through headers from David Weir and Daniel Cousin.

McDonald then bagged his second of the game before half-time and a action-packed clash was settled with 20 minutes left when Robson fired home from the spot.

The victory puts Gordon Strachan's side five points ahead of their rivals, but Walter Smith's side have three matches in hand as they bid to win the title for the first time since 2005.

The electric atmosphere inside Celtic Park was given an early jolt when McDonald opened the scoring after just four minutes. Andreas Hinkel drove a long ball forward and when Jan Venegoor of Hesselink headed into his path, the Australian striker blasted home from 10 yards.

But Rangers responded well and were level in the 16th minute when Steven Davis' left-wing corner was bravely met by Weir, the veteran defender getting his head to the ball ahead of a mass of bodies in the area.

Stand-in goalkeeper Neil Alexander then made a flying save to keep out Shunsuke Nakamura's free-kick, before Rangers took the lead in the 29th minute when another Davis left-wing flag kick skimmed off Cousin's header and in off the underside of the crossbar.

But with just three minutes of the first period remaining, McDonald's looping shot from the edge of the box found the back of the net to send the sides in at half-time all square.

Celtic made a bright start to the second period with McDonald racing through, but choosing to square the ball to Venegoor of Hesselink which allowed Gers the chance to clear.

And as Celtic pushed forward, Gers almost reclaimed the lead on the break when Cousin's cross picked out Nacho Novo and his driven shot flashed inches wide.

But in the 70th minute Celtic were awarded a penalty when McDonald was pulled down in the area by Kirk Broadfoot and Robson blasted home his spot-kick straight down the middle of the goal.

Robson then almost added a fourth when his inswinging corner came back out off the near post, before Rangers lost Steven Whittaker to a second yellow card in stoppage time as Celtic earned their second win over their rivals in 11 days.

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