Celtic opened up a nine-point lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership with a 3-0 win over Hibernian on Saturday as second-placed Aberdeen were held 1-1 by St. Johnstone.

Arne Engels and Kyogo Furuhashi struck for Celtic either side of Joe Newell's own goal as Hibs were left to rue wasting a host of opportunities to spring a surprise in Glasgow.

Belgian international Engels' return was one of five changes Brendan Rodgers made from Wednesday's 1-0 win over Aberdeen with one eye on a Champions League trip to Dinamo Zagreb in midweek.

The 21-year-old has struggled to make his mark since becoming Celtic's record signing in an £11 million ($14 million) move from Augsburg in August but produced a neat finish from Alistair Johnston's cross after just six minutes.

Hibs' latest defeat sees them slip back to the bottom of the table.

But they should have been at least level by half-time as Newell blazed over and Mykola Kukharevych was twice denied by Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, who won man-of-the-match.

"Some of our attacking play was excellent," said Rodgers.

"Our downside for today was our pressing - it was nowhere near what I would want and expect it to be - and that gave them chances.

"Thankfully, I have a top international goalkeeper, who, when we needed him, made saves."

Celtic upped a gear after the break but got a touch of fortune for the second as Newell diverted Adam Idah's header into his own net.

Furuhashi then showed the Hibs forward line how to finish with a brilliant touch and dinked finish six minutes from time.

Celtic now lead Rangers by 14 points, but Philippe Clement's men can close that gap when they travel to Ross County on Sunday.

Rangers could now move above Aberdeen if they win their two games in hand on the Dons.

After a sensational start to Jimmy Thelin's time in charge, Aberdeen are now winless in five games.

Leighton Clarkson cancelled out Makenzie Kirk's opener for the visitors at Pittodrie in a frustrating afternoon for the hosts.

Scotland striker Lawrence Shankland scored twice in Hearts' 2-0 win over Dundee to move off the foot of the table.

Motherwell struck late to win 1-0 at St. Mirren, while Kilmarnock held fourth-placed Dundee United to a 1-1 draw at Tannadice.