Oxlade-Chamberlain winner keeps Celtic in the
Celtic was far from convincing against St. Mirren, but Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's strike ensured it stayed in touch with Scottish Premiership leader Hearts with a nervy 1-0 win.
The former Arsenal and Liverpool man's first-half strike was enough for Martin O'Neill's side to stay within three points of Hearts, which scored twice in the last five minutes as it came from behind to beat Motherwell 3-1.
Oxlade-Chamberlain thought he had given the hosts the lead inside the opening seven minutes at Celtic Park, but his close-range volley was ruled out for offside.
However, the midfielder was not to be denied in the 15th minute, slotting past Shamal George after Callum McGregor's initial attempt ricocheted kindly into his path.
St. Mirren, which faces Celtic again in the Scottish Cup semi-finals next weekend, went close to equalising deep in first-half stoppage-time, but Liam Donnelly headed narrowly over from a corner.
Kelechi Iheanacho was narrowly off target midway through the second half as the Hoops looked to press home their advantage, but the single-goal margin was ultimately enough to keep them firmly in the title race.
