A Scott McDonald goal deep into first-half injury time against Falkirk gave Celtic a 1-0 victory and enabled them to cut Rangers' lead at the top of the SPL back to four points.

The Australian striker popped up to flick home Shunsuke Nakamura's cross from close range and ultimately take all three points for the Bhoys.

The result was harsh on Falkirk, who dominated for large periods of the game.

The home side should really have broken the deadlock on 34 minutes when Dean Holden played Graham Barrett in on goal, but the Irishman was denied by a fine save from Artur Boruc.

Falkirk then suffered a major blow when Holden had to be carried off on a stretcher with a broken leg after being injured in a collision with Stephen McManus in playing the ball through to Barrett.

The Bhoys then broke the deadlock in the third minute of injury-time when Nakamura sent over a cross and McDonald stole in to find the net.

Falkirk continued to dominate in the second half, but they struggled to create any clear goalscoring opportunities as Celtic kept them at arm's length.

Celtic boss Gordon Strachan told BBC Radio Scotland: "That was hard work, the conditions were not great for playing football and we didn't play the right way for the first half-hour. So we are delighted to get a win.

"We have had games where we have played some super football at Inverness and Hibs this season and not got a win."

Falkirk boss John Hughes, who watched the game from the stand while serving a touchline ban, felt his side deserved better said: "I thought the goal was offside and then we had one or two penalty claims.

"But once again - us getting the rub of the green or a penalty? That's me being paranoid again.

"It's disappointing, especially what the boys put into the game."

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