Zurawski goal hands Old Firm spoils to Celtic

Poland striker Maciej Zurawski's first-half goal secured Celtic a 1-0 win over Old Firm rivals Rangers at Ibrox yesterday to extend their lead to 13 points.

Zurawski drilled a low, angled first-time shot wide of keeper Ronald Waterreus after 11 minutes.

Belgian midfielder Thomas Buffel wasted a glorious chance to level 10 minutes from half-time when he opted to pass instead of shoot and Croat Dado Prso failed to convert from a tight angle a minute from time.

Celtic have 64 points from 26 matches, ahead of Hearts on 51.

Rangers, who will part with manager Alex McLeish at the end of the season, remain fourth on 43 points.

"We got punished for a mistake," McLeish told reporters. "It doesn't make it any more disappointing (this being my last Old Firm game at home). But losing the early goal I think gave Celtic a platform to set out their stall.

"We did find it difficult to get back into it. Every player gave everything... but chances were few and far between."

Rangers announced on Thursday that McLeish would leave at the end of the season following a 4-1/2 year term at the club.

"It's been a tough week, that's an understatement, but it has been a hard week but there is nothing you can do about it," said McLeish.

Rangers battled back in an untidy match and after Celtic's Roy Keane was booked for cynical trip on striker Prso after 65 minutes, Alan Hutton picked out the Croatian with the deep free-kick and he headed narrowly wide of the far post.

After Prso's late miss Celtic substitute Dion Dublin went close to adding a second goal when he rifled a low shot into the side netting.

"Delighted with the win, delighted with the performance," said Celtic boss Gordon Strachan.