Kris Commons scored a second-half hat-trick as Celtic inflicted a third heavy defeat of the season on Kilmarnock to close in on the Scottish Premiership title.

The Bhoys were held for 57 minutes, but Commons then struck twice in two minutes, and completed his treble late on to send his side 24 points clear at the top.

After Anthony Stokes had a first-minute goal ruled out for offside, Killie goalkeeper Craig Samson was called upon to deny early sighters from Commons and Leigh Griffiths, who had scored four goals in as many games since signing for the club in January.

Adam Matthews was a constant threat down the Celtic right and, on one of his many ventures forward, he crossed towards the near post, where Lee Ashcroft nearly turned the ball into his own net.

Although Celtic were far from at their best in the opening 45 minutes, the hosts could not muster a shot on target and it continued to be one-way traffic upon the resumption of play at Rugby Park.

Stefan Johansen and Scott Brown had threatened to break the deadlock before Commons scored the first of a quickfire double by prodding the ball into the bottom corner after a give-and-go with Griffiths.

Celtic were further ahead ninety seconds later as Matthews's good service finally brought about a goal. Commons released the full-back before running from deep to meet his cross from six yards.

The assistant referee's flag denied Neil Lennon's team for a second time as Commons was made to wait for his third, which came when he collected a Beram Kayal pass and rifled into the net on 86 minutes.

The former Nottingham Forest forward has now scored 26 goals this season, and four against eighth-placed Kilmarnock, who have lost 3-0, 4-0 and 5-2 to the soon-to-be champions this campaign.