League leaders Celtic swept to yet another Scottish Premiership win with victory over Livingston on Wednesday evening, with Ange Postecoglou's side having seemingly sealed the points within the opening 45 minutes amid what was a scintillating first-half display at Parkhead.

Having already beaten David Martindale's men on two occasions already this season, the Old Firm outfit made it three from three as a result of that rampant opening, with reliable left-back Greg Taylor netting the game's opening goal with a stunning, fizzing strike from just inside the area.

That breathtaking effort was then followed by a far more fortuitous goal just minutes later, with Daizen Maeda evoking memories of his almost comical opener in the Scottish League Cup semi-final victory over Kilmarnock at Hampden Park, as the ball ricocheted in off the Japan international following an attempted clearance from Ayo Obileye.

Things got even worse for the luckless visitors on the stroke of half-time as man of the moment Kyogo Furuhashi netted his 18th league goal of the season, the diminutive speedster latching onto Matt O'Riley's lofted through ball before expertly slotting home on his weaker left foot.

That was to be the end of Livi's misery as the hosts coasted to a rather comfortable win in truth, ensuring that the Bhoys remain nine points clear of bitter rivals Rangers at the summit.

On a night in which it was that man Taylor who stole the headlines due to his first-half piledriver - having recorded 145 touches in total as a marker of his relentless impact down the left flank - Postecoglou will no doubt have also been impressed by Reo Hatate's standout showing, with the 25-year-old having been something of an unsung hero at the heart of the midfield.

The former Kawasaki Frontale man notably played his part in the home side's opener after teeing up Taylor with a clever pullback, having initially shown great skill to expertly turn his man on the edge of the area.

Such a telling impact epitomised the playmaker's creative flair on the night, with Celtic Way's Tony Haggerty writing that the one-cap maestro had been 'picking out passes and crosses at will', having illustrated just why he is something of a 'baller'.

The £12k-per-week man unsurprisingly offered a real dynamic and forward-thinking presence from his midfield berth after completing all three of his attempted dribbles, having also shone as a result of his work off the ball after winning six of his eight ground duels.

Such an impactful display ensured that the 5 foot 8 machine was rewarded with a 7.7 match rating, as per Sofascore, with that only bettered by the aforementioned Taylor (8.2) among any player for either side.

That 75-minute outing has also laid bare just why the "outstanding" asset - as previously lauded by former Celtic Park hero Chris Sutton - has remained a regular fixture in Postecoglou's side, with last night's encounter having been his 17th start in a row in the league.

Under a manager who has been no stranger to rotation during his time in Glasgow, that is a testament to just how highly-regarded the Japanese gem is by the title-winning coach.