Zurawski brace helps Celtic extend lead

Celtic moved eight points clear at the top of the Scottish Premier League with a 2-1 win over Motherwell yesterday thanks to a goal in each half by Maciej Zurawski.

Rivals Hearts lost 2-0 at home to Kilmarnock to allow Celtic to extend their lead at the top.

Polish striker Zurawski struck Celtic's opener after 16 minutes with a low shot that three Motherwell defenders tried to clear before the line. He side-footed the second following the interval after being released by Japanese midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura.

Strachan hailed Nakamura's performance, especially his pass for the goal.

"In my 30 years in football... I don't think I have seen a touch like that.

"He doesn't give the ball away and he tracks back as well. He is just incredible," he told BBC Radio Scotland.

Motherwell's Scott McDonald tapped in after 77 minutes to set up a nervous finish but Celtic held on and now have 28 points from 11 games.

The surprise defeat for Hearts came after Australian Danny Invincibile and Gary Wales scored first-half goals for Kilmarnock. The Edinburgh side stay second on 20 points with Kilmarnock in third.

Elsewhere, Aberdeen beat Dundee United 3-1 and Inverness Caledonian Thistle beat Falkirk 3-2.

Fifth-placed Rangers, with 15 points from 10 games, play at St Mirren today while Dunfermline entertain Hibernian tomorrow.