GLASGOW: Scottish champions Celtic began the defence of their premier league title with a stylish 2-0 home victory over Motherwell on Sunday. Celtic captain Jackie McNamara - who had unfurled the league flag to commemorate last season's title triumph before a vibrant 60,000 Parkhead crowd prior to kick-off - gave his side an ideal start with a powerful long range opener on seven minutes.

Alan Thompson crossed for Chris Sutton to tuck home the second on 55 minutes after Celtic had squandered several first-half chances to increase their lead. "Jackie's got us settled with a wonder strike but it was tough as Motherwell were always in the game," Celtic manager Martin O'Neill told reporters.

"We had some great performances and it's an excellent way to start to the season." O'Neill also praised Sutton after watching the English striker notch his 50th league goal four years after arriving from Chelsea.

"Chris is essential and has done wonderfully well for us," said the Irishman. "It was a great centre-forward's goal." O'Neill handed Henri Camara - who has joined Celtic on a season's loan deal from Wolverhampton Wanderers - his competitive debut as a second-half substitute for John Hartson but the Senegal striker could not get among the goals.

Motherwell's young side fought gamely but did not have the quality to trouble a home side who were playing their first league match after the departure of their revered Swedish striker Henrik Larsson - Celtic's third-top scorer of all time with 242 goals - to Barcelona during the close season.

Celtic probably should have won by a greater margin as Hartson blazed over on the half hour while Sutton saw a header hacked off the line and a shot shave a post either side of halftime.

O'Neill's side move two points ahead of Rangers after their city rivals were held to a 0-0 draw at Aberdeen on Saturday. Celtic are joined on three points by Hearts, Kilmarnock and Livingston who also picked up wins on Saturday.

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