Nicolas KuhnImage source, SNS
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Nicolas Kuhn sent Celtic on their way to victory with a goal inside three minutes

A stunning strike from Callum McGregor helped Celtic to a comfortable Scottish Premiership win over Hibernian at Easter Road.

Nicolas Kuhn put the champions in front inside three minutes after home goalkeeper Josef Bursik failed to deal with Kyogo's initial shot.

McGregor - who announced his Scotland retirement earlier this week - then doubled Celtic's advantage with a wonderful left-footed goal from 25 yards in a superb first-half display.

Brendan Rodgers' side could have scored more but for the woodwork, but they will be pleased to come away with three points from a venue at which they have struggled on occasion under the Northern Irishman.

The hosts were booed off at half-time having not had a shot, and they improved in the second half, with striker Kieron Bowie denied a debut goal by the crossbar.

Despite that effort, Hibernian were never truly in the contest and have now lost two from two in the league under new manager David Gray.

Celtic don't need to get out of second gear

Rodgers went with the same side that swept aside Kilmarnock last weekend and their impressive start to the season continued in Leith.

They played some lovely football in the first half, getting bodies into the box and moving the ball at speed.

Kuhn - who looks to have reaped the rewards from a full pre-season - was full of confidence down the right after his close-range finish and Celtic got in behind almost at will in the early stages.

Their pressing was central to their dominance of possession and they carved out chances regularly .

McGregor dominated the headlines this week after his shock international retirement and he delivered the moment of the game with a rocket that flew past Bursik into the top corner.

With him leading the way, Celtic again look the team to beat this season. They looked so slick and confident, and never really had to exert themselves to take the three points.

Lacklustre Hibs well beaten

Gray spoke after the opening league defeat to St Mirren about how their second-half collapse was unacceptable, but they continued in much the same vein.

Kyogo was afforded far too much space to let fly from the edge of the box and Bursik was guilty of not pushing the ball to safety. It was a soft concession early in the game and it set the tone.

The home midfield was completely ineffective, with none of Josh Campbell, Joe Newell and Dylan Levitt able to exert any sort of influence.

On the rare occasions Hibs found themselves in possession it was quickly conceded, and Mykola Kuharevich was left to feed off scraps up front.

They failed to have a single shot at goal before the interval and questions remain about what Hibs are attempting to do on the pitch under Gray's management.

Yes, they improved in the second half, but it would have been nigh on impossible to get worse and Celtic eased off somewhat.

The bright spark was delivered by substitute Bowie, who shrugged off Cameron Carter-Vickers before bending a shot past Kasper Schmeichel and off the bar from a tight angle.

Gray will hope the Scotland Under-21 striker can provide a focal point in attack in the weeks to come, starting with another meeting against Celtic next Saturday in the League Cup.

What they said

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Hibernian 0-2 Celtic | David Gray post-match

Hibernian head coach David Gray: "You can't give a team like Celtic a goal head-start after three minutes.

"When you make individual errors and don't show bravery on the ball, it can be a long afternoon. We were probably fortunate to only go into half-time 2-0 down.

"Second half was better, we carried more of a threat and a bit more composure on the ball. Obviously we're really disappointed to lose the game; we need to learn quickly because we've got it all to do again next weekend away from home.

"We've got a bit of short-term pain at the moment but I'm really positive about where we can take the squad."

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: "Easter Road is one of the most difficult places to come in Scottish football.

"I thought we were very good for large spells. There were moments in the second half when we went too long, too early.

"We made a great start and showed a real winning attitude and we have quality. We should have had a few more goals."

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Hibernian 0-2 Celtic | Brendan Rodgers post-match

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