Celtic's SPL title hopes remain on course after a late Georgios Samaras header gave them a vital 2-1 victory over Motherwell at Fir Park.

After a tetchy first half in which Keith Lasley had the best chance with a shot which was deflected wide, Chris Porter nipped in ahead of Bobo Balde to head the home side into the lead in the 61st minute.

However, former Motherwell striker Scott McDonald levelled barely a minute later with his 30th goal of the season.

With 12 minutes remaining Samaras, on for Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, bundled home a Barry Robson corner from close range to complete the comeback.

The defending champions extended their lead over arch rivals Rangers at the top of the table to eight points - but the Ibrox men have four games in hand, starting with a trip to Easter Road to face Hibernian on Sunday.