Celtic crushed Hibernian 6-0 to extend their lead over Rangers at the top of the Scottish premier league to 11 points on Saturday.

It was Celtic's 17th straight league win and swift revenge for Martin O'Neill's side who suffered a shock 2-1 defeat by the same opponents in a League Cup quarter-final this month.

Two goals each from Chris Sutton and John Hartson put Celtic 4-0 up after an hour before Henrik Larsson and Stilian Petrov completed the rout. Hibs were reduced to 10 men just before halftime after Derek Riordan was dismissed.

Celtic have 52 points from 18 games and Rangers, who play away at Dundee on Sunday, have 41 from 17 matches. The top two meet in the Old Firm derby next weekend.

"It closes off 2003 very nicely for us and we're absolutely delighted with the run. We're scoring goals, playing very strongly at the moment and are keeping the fans happy but, of course, we must start again next week," O'Neill told reporters.

Sutton opened the scoring after four minutes and Hibs crumbled after Riordan was red-carded for flying into a late challenge on Jackie McNamara.

Hartson headed home the second while Sutton netted the third from the penalty spot. Hartson made it four with a fizzing low strike and Larsson got in on the act with number five after some hapless defending.

Petrov completed the rout with 13 minutes left to leave a 59,609 home crowd, Celtic's biggest of the season, in a buoyant mood.

Third-placed Hearts, 11 points behind Rangers, were held to a 0-0 draw at home by Motherwell. Bottom club Partick Thistle thrashed Dunfermline Athletic 4-1.

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