Josh Campbell's first-half double continued Hibernian's superb form and inflicted leaders Celtic's second Scottish Premiership defeat of the season.

Celtic - off the back of a heroic performance at Bayern Munich on Tuesday - struggled to find their usual tempo in the first hour.

Passes went astray, and the structured Hibs defence dealt with the barrage of crosses sent into their box.

Midfielder Campbell capitalised twice. First he found the bottom corner in the second minute to give the hosts a dream start, then he headed home Martin Boyle's looping cross on the stroke of half-time to double the advantage.

David Gray's side had chances to add to their tally, with Kieron Bowie and Lewis Miller both denied by Kasper Schmeichel in what was a superb all-round display.

Daizen Maeda pulled one back for the league leaders on 68 minutes, and from there, Hibs had to resist an onslaught from Brendan Rodgers' side.

The visitors' belief and urgency increased and Jota thought he had found a leveller when he skipped around Jordan Smith but had his effort blocked on the line by the immense Rocky Bushiri.

Maeda then found the net again with seven minutes to go, but celebrations were cut short as the officials deemed the ball had crossed the byeline before Alistair Johnston flashed his cross into the box.

Celtic protested the decision on the field, and replays appeared inconclusive as to whether the whole of the ball was out of play.

Regardless, Hibs held on to claim victory after a nervy eight minutes of injury time.

They are now unbeaten in their past 13 outings in all competitions and are very much in the race for third place.

Given the form Hibs have shown since being beaten 3-0 at Celtic Park in December, the visitors must have expected a fast start. But they were unable to stop it.

Nectarios Triantis wasn't picked up in midfield, and he slid a pass towards Campbell, who took a touch before sliding a calm finish beyond Schmeichel.

It set the tone for the first half as Hibs caused problems both from set-pieces and on the break.

Bowie and Boyle caused plenty of issues, starting as the front two for the first time.

The youngster's physicality and eye for goal combined with the talisman's pace and energy surely means Gray will look to develop that partnership further.

It was Boyle who picked out Campbell for the second goal and, although the offside flag went up, a VAR check showed Auston Trusty was playing Campbell onside.

The second half was more a test of Hibs' grit and defensive mettle, but it was a challenge they stood up to magnificently.

Bushiri continued his resurgence in defence, running himself into the ground and heroically blocking Jota's goal-bound shot.

Rodgers and his players will know they didn't reach their best levels at Easter Road, but they felt they should have taken a point from their trip to Leith.

Maeda poked home from close range after Marvin Ekpiteta and Smith failed to deal with Johnston's low ball in from the right.

The goal was given before VAR intervened to say the ball had gone out of play before Johnston got to it.

The Scottish FA says VAR checked and the 18-yard line camera showed the ball had indeed crossed the byeline, but it did not stop Rodgers protesting to referee Steven McLean after full time.

Celtic had forced their way back into the contest through Maeda's trademark persistence, beating Smith to Hatate's scuffed shot when all others appeared to have given up on the chance.

Regardless, they are still in total control of the Premiership title race, and will look to return to winning ways against Aberdeen on Tuesday.

Hibernian head coach David Gray: "I challenged them, saying every one needs to be at the top of their game, and I got that. I thought we fully deserved it.

"Your mentality and character is always going to be tested when Celtic get that goal. Can you find a way to hold out? They are always going to keep pushing.

"We're trying to accumulate as many points as we can before the split, and it's still about catching the team in front of us.

"It keeps that run going, the feel-good factor going - a massive three points."

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: "We were a little bit rushed in the first half, just tried to force it and then concede a disappointing goal right on half-time.

"The players were excellent second half, put a lot of pressure on, and get the goal.

"Then there's the talking point. I was very disappointed we didn't get that especially when the linesman didn't think it was out. He probably has the best view.

"I don't know how you can tell the ball is definitely out from an image from the 18-yard line. We need to see evidence the ball was out. If you don't have that, you're having a guess."