Four games, three points & one massive Old Firm derby

Not since 2011 has there been such a tight Scottish Premiership title race.

Three points is the gap between leaders Celtic and rivals Rangers with four games remaining, one of which is a potential derby decider in the east end of the city next month.

On the back of two hard-fought away wins for both Old Firm clubs, BBC Scotland looks at the state of play in a gripping tussle for Scotland’s top-flight crown.

'Three points all that matters'

It’s a part of the season where performance very much becomes secondary. Even still, both Celtic and Rangers have been far from flawless throughout this term.

Between the pair, they have failed to win 18 games between them - Rangers losing six and drawing three, while Celtic have lost three and drawn six.

The fragility both sides have shown at times, which has made a captivating title race all the more absorbing, was apparent in spells on Sunday.

Rangers rode their luck against St Mirren in Paisley, especially in the first half, but gritted their teeth to edge to a victory thanks to the 20th goal of the maligned Cyriel Dessers’ debut season.

Celtic’s luck-riding was done in the second period against Dundee at Dens Park, but a double from James Forrest - making his first start since November - ensured the leaders restored their three-point advantage.

"The performance doesn't matter, it's all about the result," former Rangers striker Steven Thompson said on Sportsound.

Fellow former Ibrox forward Billy Dodds echoed that view, adding: "At this stage - with the nerves and with what's at stake - all that matters is getting three points. That's what Celtic and Rangers did [on Sunday]."

Meanwhile, Philippe Clement rhymed off his usual "I'm only busy with Rangers" line, but the Ibrox boss hailed his side's "character" and "resilience" as Rodgers praised the "spirit" of his squad.

It goes without saying, whoever demonstrates those three qualities best will almost certainly prove to be decisive in the four remaining games.

What's next in gripping finale?

The nature of the split means both clubs face the league's top teams in their final fixtures.

Next up for Celtic is the visit of a Hearts side who have defeated the leaders twice already this season - including a win in Glasgow in December.

Twenty-four hours later, Kilmarnock, who have won seven points against the Old Firm this campaign, go to Ibrox.

A midweek trip to Rugby Park, where Celtic have lost twice this term, on the penultimate matchday could prove to be quite the test for Rodgers' side, as could Rangers' journey to Tynecastle on the final day.

But before all that is a potential derby decider at Celtic Park, where the men from Ibrox will likely have to win for the first time in almost four years to have any chance of wrestling top spot off their rivals.

And when all that's done, and the medals are handed out, there's the small matter of a Scottish Cup final showdown to look forward to.

For Celtic, that could be the chance of a league and cup double. If not, they will be aiming to deny Rangers a domestic treble.

Clear your diaries, a blockbuster end to the season is only just beginning.