Dundee Utd 1 Celtic 2:GARY Hooper's dramatic late strike against Dundee United extended Celtic's winning run in the league to eight games ahead of next week's crunch Old Firm clash with leaders Rangers.

The former Scunthorpe striker converted a Mark Wilson cross from close range in the 13th minute to put the visitors ahead before David Goodwillie levelled with a deflected shot just before the break. Celtic pushed for the majority of the second half and there was some controversy when referee Dougie McDonald awarded them a penalty after United keeper Dusan Pernis had clashed with Hooper – then changed his mind to give a drop ball after consulting with assistant Steven Craven.

It looked like the match was heading for a draw but Neil Lennon’s men were rewarded for their pressure with two minutes remaining when Hooper stabbed the ball in from close range, following a goalmouth scramble.

The final few minutes were full of drama as Celtic piled forward for the winner. Pernis brilliantly parried Stokes’ shot from 12 yards before Ledley crashed the rebound off the post.

But after the United defence had failed to clear properly a cross from substitute Paddy McCourt, on for skipper Shaun Maloney seconds earlier, Hooper struck from close range and set up a mouthwatering clash between the Glasgow giants, both of whom have won their first eight SPL games.