A MUCH-CHANGED Celtic moved 14 points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership despite producing one of the most disjointed performances of their season in a 1-0 win over Partick Thistle.
The Hoops, who made eight changes, suffered some early scares before Scott Sinclair gave them a 16th minute lead.
Thistle, who lost 4-1 to their Glasgow rivals just 11 days ago, caused their hosts more problems than most visitors to Celtic Park this season but couldn’t prevent Celtic winning their 12th match in a row.
Celtic, who have a game in hand over nearest challengers Rangers, are now unbeaten in their opening 21 domestic fixtures as they pursue their sixth title in a row.
With a congested festive fixture list to contend with, Rodgers had rung the changes, with 18-year-old Calvin Miller handed his competitive debut for the Hoops.
The Hoops took the lead with a move straight off the training ground. Callum Booth was booked for a foul on Cristian Gamboa and Liam Henderson played a quick free-kick into the path of Sinclair near the penalty spot, who clipped a first-time effort high into the net.
Thistle weren’t overawed by going behind and should have had a leveller before the break when Azeez went one-on-one with Gordon in the box but the striker dithered before firing and his shot was pushed into the side netting by the keeper.
Thistle missed a golden chance to level matters in the 65th minute when the Celtic defence retreated from the rampaging run of Gordon but the full-back dragged his effort wide of the far post with the goal at his mercy.
Sinclair then came close to his second of the night as he raced through on goal but Cerny produced a great save with his feet to divert the ball around the post.
Thistle pressed until the end but couldn’t find a finish as their winless run extends to a seventh match.
