Kyogo Furuhashi scored a brace as Celtic were made to work for a 4-1 win at Ross County to go 18 points clear at the top of the Scottish Championship.
The Hoops dominated from the start as they looked to extend their winning streak to three games in 2025 following their Old Firm meltdown, and Kyogho fired home from Alastair Johnston’s brilliant cross to send them on their way.
However, Jordan White brought County level after the break from the penalty spot after a lengthy VAR review when Johnston fouled new signing Kieran Phillips.
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Kyogo Furuhashi’s instinctive finish opens Celtic’s scoring against Ross County
After Kyogo’s powerful header had given Celtic the lead, they were then awarded a spot-kick at the end for James Brown’s tackle on Reo Hatei and Arne Engels converted at the second try.
Luke McCown netted a fourth after taking three touches in the box to send the Hoops clear of Rangers, who play on Sunday. Ross County remain 10th.
Kyogho’s versatility key for Celtic
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Kyogho’s fine header put Celtic ahead for the second time.
Brendan Rodgers moved Kyoghu out wide after Daisen Maeda joined James Forrest and Nicolas Kuhn on the injured list and Luis Palma was given compassionate leave.
The visitors’ goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel looked prepared for the -5C temperatures, but he had two shots in the first two minutes as Celtic scattered the ball twice on the cold pitch, both of which were off target.
Adam Ida hit the side-netting as Celtic settled and the Irishman then set up Johnston to force a first-time save into a shot at goal.
Celtic had a penalty claim turned down by Matthew McDermid when Reo Hatte got in front of Elijah Campbell and went off balance after the pair collided.
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Jordan White’s clinical penalty drew Ross County level
Kyogo missed a good chance when he drilled the ball straight at Jordan Amisah from close range, but he opened the scoring in the 40th minute when he headed home Johnston’s inch-perfect pass after a fine move.
Amissa made a double stop from Ida and Furuhashi following a cross from left-back Alex Vale before home manager Don Cowie made a double switch at the break to bring on Kieran Phillips and White.
Hyun-Jun Young made a save early in the half but County’s substitution paid off when White scored after Johnston had pushed Phillips past the keeper.
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Take a look at Celtic’s third goal, which included VAR controversy, a late penalty and Arne Engels’ wild celebration.
Rodgers brought on 21-year-old striker Jonny Kenny for his debut after the Irishman’s prolific loan spell at Shamrock Rovers, but he shot straight at Amisa from 10 yards with his first chance.
Celtic went back in front when Engels crossed down the left and Furuhashi headed into the top corner despite Amissa getting his hands on it.
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Luke McCown scored Celtic’s fourth goal at the death
Engels then scored from the penalty spot after James Brown was eventually penalized for a tackle on Young after a VAR review. Amissa saved the first effort but was ruled to have gone off his line following another VAR intervention.
McCowen soon headed home after eight minutes of good work.
Johnny Kenny made his Celtic debut at Dingwall
