Paul Hartley's men need a win to nudge back into the top half of the table but Hearts are motoring along very nicely in third place after three home wins on the trot.

Dundee were a bit unlucky to only get a draw away at Celtic on their last league outing but they were brought crashing back down to earth last weekend when they were thumped by Rangers in the Scottish Cup.

It might be a tight contest. Earlier this season, Hearts staged a second-half comeback to secure a 2-1 win at Dens, while the pair fought out a 1-1 draw at Tynecastle in November.  

That Sean Welsh penalty is a bit of a collector's item for Partick Thistle since they don't get many...

It was their first in 69 games and their first successful spot-kick in 86!

Leigh Griffiths was on the pitch celebrating with his team-mates and moving freely, so Celtic fans can relax.

Thistle end a run of six games without scoring against Celtic but that's three single-goal defeats in a row against the Premiership's top three.

The game ends with Celtic keeping the ball in the corner to eat up the final seconds. The champions move four points clear at the top, with nearest challengers Aberdeen at home to Killie soon.

Efe Ambrose on for Gary Mackay-Steven as Celtic run down the clock. 

Celtic make a late change, with Leigh Griffiths being replaced by Stuart Armstrong. Is there a suggestion of an injury? I'm not sure. Celtic are wobbling a bit as Nir Bitton is booked for a tug on Matthias Pogba - not in the box this time.

Suddenly we can hear the home fans as they urge Thistle on to grab another goal in the last few minutes. The penalty caught everyone by surprise, with Steven Lawless not appearing too fussed by the grappling of Erik Sviatchenko.

A wee tug on Steven Lawless by Erik Sviatchenko and it's a spot-kick to the hosts.

Now Nir Bitton strides through the heart of the Thistle defence to meet a nice pass from Gary Mackay-Steven but his shot is far too casual and is easily stopped by Tomas Cerny. He should really be scoring there...

A nice first touch from Celtic substitute Colin Kazim-Richards to set up a shooting chance but the second touch is off the shin and his angled effort slides wide.

A cheer from the Jags fans - their first in a long while - as Celtic skipper Scott Brown is booked for a naughty challenge on David Amoo.

Thistle are all over the place at the back, as goalie Tomas Cerny makes a pig's ear of a routine clearance. The ball falls to Gary Mackay-Steven, who blazes a shot high and wide.

Callum McGregor threads a lovely through ball for Leigh Griffiths and it looks like goal number 36 for the Celtic striker until Tomas Cerny sticks out a leg to make a good save.

Celtic are in complete control, knocking the ball around under very little pressure. Surely Thistle fans want to see a bit more spirit from their side?

Christie Elliot on for Gary Fraser as Thistle seek inspiration for the final 20 minutes.

Celtic make a change up front, with Colin Kazim-Richards on for Kris Commons, who has not had his best day, spurning a couple of decent chances.

There's a long way to go yet but there is no sign of any dramatic comeback for Thistle. It's all a bit flat at the moment. 

Celtic on course to open up a four-point gap on Aberdeen, who are at home to Kilmarnock later this afternoon.