Celtic 1-0 Ross County: Scottish Premiership leaders labour to home win as Luis Palma has two penalties saved

Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic laboured to a 1-0 home win over second-bottom Ross County to restore their five-point lead over Rangers as Luis Palma saw two penalties saved.

Alistair Johnston's 56-second opener proved to be the difference for Celtic, who struggled to create many chances against the Staggies.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers blamed the pitch for their underwhelming display as he claimed the Celtic Park surface was more like a field than a pitch.

He said: "It's very difficult to play on the pitch and the challenge for us. People were miscuing the ball.

"You look at (Liam) Scales' pass, it comes off the toe and popped off, (Matt) O'Riley's popped up and the fans get anxious but that's the pitch. Then Cal (McGregor) gets ready to take a shot and it pops up and nearly goes up towards the top tier.

"I know speaking to the staff it has been the situation over the last few years.

"It's something as a club we need to address, as a flagship club in Scotland and especially with how we want to play.

"It's not overloaded with games - it's more a field than a pitch. That's the reality but however it sits, we have to get the job done and thankfully we did that."

Johnston's deflected first-minute strike looked likely to open the floodgates but Palma twice saw penalty attempts saved by George Wickens.

The Honduras winger put his second effort in the exact same spot after a retake was ordered following the encroachment of three County players into the area.

The visitors hit the bar in the 39th minute as Will Nightingale crashed a header off the woodwork from a corner.

Celtic then failed to extend their advantage in the second half as Ross County threatened a surprise equaliser in the closing stages.

But the home side held on to provide a response to Rangers' earlier lunchtime win at St Mirren and move five points clear of their Glasgow rivals, who have a game in hand on Celtic.

How Celtic laboured to victory

Celtic made a lightning-quick start as Alexandro Bernabei's low cross found Liel Abada. The Israel international's shot was blocked before falling for Johnston 18 yards out. The right-back's strike appeared to take a deflection off Nightingale before spinning over the line.

Without a win in their previous five games and on the back of a 3-0 cup defeat by Partick Thistle - which elicited another interview from manager Derek Adams which was unlikely to help team morale - the visitors might have been expected to fold.

But they responded with a decent spell of pressure of their own, although they should have been two down when Wickens' parry from Matt O'Riley's strike fell for Paulo Barnardo 12 yards out, although the Portuguese midfielder shot over the empty net.

Celtic had another glorious chance after Simon Murray tripped McGregor inside the box.

Palma delayed the run-up to his first penalty attempt and Wickens dived low to his right to stop.

After a lengthy delay, referee Euan Anderson signalled a retake, given the video assistant had spotted three County players encroaching inside the box. Palma delivered almost the exact same spot-kick - minus the delay - and Wickens saved again.

Celtic almost paid the price when Joe Hart completely missed Yan Dhanda's corner but Nightingale headed off the crossbar from close range.

Wickens produced two more saves from Palma just before the interval to leave the game in the balance.

Celtic were more in control after the break but a two-goal cushion proved elusive.

O'Riley twice came close from long range and Wickens made a good stop from a header from Carter-Vickers, who made way for Nawrocki in the 64th minute as Rodgers looks to ensure his return is lasting.

Nicolas Kuhn replaced Palma at the same time to make his debut and the former Rapid Vienna winger showed flashes of skill and direct running.

However, County were encouraged by the narrow scoreline and put Celtic under pressure in the closing stages.

Josh Sims embarked on a lengthy run and squared for fellow substitute Jordan White, whose effort was held at the second attempt by Hart following an initial parry at full stretch.

The home support showed their frustration as Celtic failed to manage the game and Sims also came close when he hooked the ball over from six yards.

Rodgers: We'll look at a different penalty taker

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers:

"We made a good start, then missing penalties creates a bit of anxiety in the stadium. Then we've probably just not been decisive, in the first half. Second half the structure was better.

"It's very difficult to play on the pitch and the challenge for us. People were miscuing the ball. Joe didn't have much to do then - after the little breakaway at the end - he makes a good save and the guys get the job done."

He added on the missed penalties: "It's something that's worked on in training but you've got to be able to do that in the game so we'll have to look at another taker.

Questioned about the final whistle being met with some jeers, Rodgers replied: "I've had that since I've been here. If it's not the result, it's me. If not me, the board.

"So, all we can do as a team is win games and try to improve and develop - and win. That's what the team has done.

"The team and ourselves as staff work hard every day together and that's how we will continue to be. If it falls below the expectation, then we'll do everything we can to be better."

Adams: Our character was very good

Ross County manager Derek Adams:

"I thought to go down so early, the character was very good.

"We had four debutants and the way we played in and out of possession was very good. We hit the bar and got Joe Hart to make a good save towards the end.

"It's not easy going down so early but the manner of the performance was excellent."

What's next?

Celtic's next Scottish Premiership match is away to Aberdeen on February 3, live on Sky Sports. Kick-off 12.30pm.

Ross County are away to Livingston on Tuesday night. Kick-off 7.45pm.

Celtic 1

Ross County 0