Socceroo star Rogic fires last-minute winner for Celtic

The Hoops looked to be heading to a third consecutive draw against Kilmarnock this season when substitute Rogic fired a sensational 30-yard strike into the top corner that sparked scenes of wild celebration on the Celtic bench.

In a potentially decisive afternoon in the title race, second-placed Aberdeen then threw away a lead as they went down 2-1 to Motherwell at Fir Park, and they now trail the reigning champions by four points while also having played a game more.

"We didn't play well at all but sometimes that's the best way to win," Celtic manager Ronny Deila said.

"We fought hard and the fans were unbelievable today and we gave them something to cheer about in the end."

Kilmarnock remain in the relegation play-off place, five points from safety and eight points clear of bottom side Dundee United, but having played two games more. Their manager Lee Clark said defeat had been sore to take.

"I've experienced some defeats in my career as a player, coach and manager but I think that's the hardest I've ever had to take because the only team that deserved to win the game was us without a shadow of a doubt," Clark said.

Both sides had made changes with striker Kris Boyd restored to the Killie line-up for the first time in seven matches and it was the former Rangers man who tested Craig Gordon first with a fierce volley that the 'keeper did well to stop.

Nir Bitton saw a deflected strike go just wide before Kallum Higginbotham wasted a chance for the home side with a wayward shot on goal.

Celtic's top scorer Leigh Griffiths headed a corner tamely straight to Jamie MacDonald before Erik Sviatchenko was off-target with another headed effort moments later.

Sviatchenko then beat Boyd to a through ball but his attempted clearance only went as far as Higginbotham who lobbed an effort over the head of Gordon but bounced just wide.

Kris Commons fired weakly at MacDonald before setting up Callum McGregor for a chance inside the box but the midfielder saw his shot blocked by the goalkeeper.

- Stunning -

Commons made way for on-loan Manchester City winger Patrick Roberts at the break but it was Killie who started the second half brighter when Lee Hodson curled a superb shot a fraction wide of Gordon's far post with the 'keeper beaten.

Celtic settled into the half and only a last-gasp sliding challenge from defender Mark O'Hara stopped Griffiths getting away his shot when through on goal.

Former Real Madrid player Julien Faubert then came to the rescue for Killie as he headed Sviatchenko's nodded effort off the line as it looked to be sneaking in.

Griffiths came close to his 36th goal of the season with a fabulous drive that arrowed just over the bar.

With time running out Kilmarnock appeared to have weathered the storm but a moment of magic from Rogic, an 80th-minute substitute for Bitton, changed the outcome of the match.

The Socceroo star turned away from Faubert and moved the ball on to his left foot before sending a stunning strike into the top corner leaving MacDonald with no chance.

Aberdeen went in front in Motherwell through a Kenny McLean penalty just before half-time, but Scott McDonald equalised in the 73rd minute and Louis Moult got the winner for the home side two minutes later before the Dons had Barry Robson sent off.

Elsewhere, third-placed Hearts went down 3-0 at home to St Johnstone, while League Cup winners Ross County were brought crashing back to earth with a 3-0 home defeat to Highland rivals Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Partick Thistle came from behind to win 2-1 at Hamilton.

Bottom side Dundee United entertain city rivals Dundee in the derby at Tannadice on Sunday.