Celtic remain three points clear in the Scottish Premiership title race after a nervy 2-1 win over Dundee at Dens Park after a brace by evergreen winger James Forrest.

Brendan Rodgers' side made heavy work of disposing of European football-chasing Dundee, but the champions answered the call on Tayside after Rangers had defeated St Mirren 2-1 earlier in the day in Paisley.

It was Forrest who lit up a dour first half with a quite sensational first-time volley after 30 minutes to put the visitors 1-0 up in this contest after superb build-up play by Reo Hatate and Kyogo Furuhashi. Dundee came storming out the blocks in the second half and huffed and puffed as they chased an equaliser. However, they were undone when Forrest lashed home for what looked to be the clincher on 67 minutes. Just when everybody thought all three points were heading to Glasgow, Dundee grabbed a lifeline on 77 minutes when Antonio Portales's shot deflected off Celtic substitute Adam Idah to reduce the arrears.

All of a sudden, it was game on but Celtic held on for the win. At this stage of the season winning is all that matters.

James Forrest is on fire

What a goal that was by veteran winger Forrest to open the scoring. It's as sweet a volley as you will see struck all season. It was a goal of the highest quality and expertly executed. It was hit with precision and accuracy. It also gave Celtic the vital breakthrough at the half-hour mark just when the team needed it most and the game was hitting a lull. What also cannot be underestimated is Reo Hatate's link-up play and Kyogo Furuhashi's sumptuous one touch which laid it on a plate for his teammate who did the rest with a clinical finish. The 32-year-old led by example at the national stadium last weekend in the Scottish Cup semi-final and was rewarded by his manager who handed him a rare Premiership start. He lashed home the game-clinching goal in the 67th minute to make the points safe. Forrest has now scored five goals in 15 appearances in the Premiership against Dundee. That was also his sixth of the season and his third in two games but more than that he has made an invaluable contribution to his club and manager in the quest for a Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup double...and he's not nearly done yet!

Reo Hatate is making up for lost time and can still be the difference-maker

The Japanese midfielder can be such a clever player. He may not quite be 100 per cent in terms of match fitness but he can make things happen for his team. His first involvement inside the opening 10 seconds was to brilliantly dummy the ball which completely took out his close man-to-man marker Malachi Boateng. He then proceeded to smash a sitter wide from eight yards out when it looked easier to score. However, the 26-year-old is getting there slowly but surely. He linked the play whenever he could but craved quicker thinkers to work alongside him. He effortlessly shunted the ball in and around the opposition box at tempo and speed which saw some of his teammates fail to tune into his frequency and wavelength. There is a balance to the Celtic team whenever he features in it and he was involved in Forrest's all-important goal that broke the deadlock. He then cracked a beauty off the post which would have seen the game done and dusted at 3-0.

Scales answers critics with an assured defensive display

Rodgers kept faith in Scales at the heart of the defence after last weekend's poor Hampden showing. There was a clamour for Polish defender Maik Nawrocki to replace him in the starting line-up. However, the Northern Irishman resisted the calls and the temptation. The Republic of Ireland centre-back did not let his boss down and put in a solid display of full of heart, guts and determination. Whenever Dundee did threaten to penetrate the Celtic rearguard, more often than not it was Scales who was there to head clear or put in a vital block or interception. It was the kind of performance that typified his whole campaign. He might not be everyone's cup of tea but he has been effective enough this season for his club without being spectacular.

Bringing trophy-heads to the table and doing what it takes to become champions

Rodgers admitted on Friday lunchtime that it was time for the Celtic players to switch on their trophy heads and do everything in their power to become champions come May. This certainly wasn't a vintage display by Rodgers's men but they do possess enough quality to keep teams at arm's length. However the 51-year-old will be concerned by the concession of another late goal which made this a more nervy affair than it ever needed to be. When Dundee pulled one back you sensed the trepidation and nervousness in the Celtic side. However, Celtic did what Celtic do. They saw it out and that's how title and cups are won.