Soccer: Same old story from Celtic at Scottish premier league

Celtic launched the defence of their Scottish premier league title with a comfortable 2-0 win against Motherwell at Parkhead yesterday.

Goals from Jackie McNamara and Chris Sutton secured victory and meant, after one round of matches, Celtic were two points ahead of Old Firm rivals Rangers, held to a goalless draw away to Aberdeen on Sunday.

It took Martin O'Neill's men only seven minutes of the new season to score their first goal. Ireland under-21 star Aiden McGeady's corner was only partially cleared by the Motherwell defence and the ball eventually fell to McNamara 22m from goal.

The Celtic captain took a touch before smashing an unstoppable shot past Motherwell goalkeeper Gordon Marshall.

Celtic doubled their lead on 55 minutes through Sutton.