Lennon hails strike duo as Celtic increase lead at top

Neil LENNON praised strike duo Anthony Stokes and Gary Hooper after they combined for the second week in succession to fire Celtic to victory.

Stokes' first-half goal in the 1-0 win over Aberdeen at Parkhead on Saturday was his fourth in three games to take his Hoops' tally to 12 since signing from Hibs last summer.

He was set up in the 27th minute by Hooper, who returned from injury last week to score his 12th of the season in the 3-0 win at Easter Road, where the Irishman grabbed a double.

Celtic increased their lead over Rangers at the top of the SPL table to five points, although they have played two games more than their Old Firm rivals, who lost 1-0 at Hearts earlier in the day.

Lennon, who has chopped and changed his attack all season, said: "The front two were a handful and they worked the goal very well. They are in the driving seat at the moment.

"I thought they dovetailed very well together. You can tell there is a bit of chemistry between them and they are doing what we brought them to do. They are scoring goals."

Stokes insists hard work on the training ground is beginning to pay off.

"The last few weeks we have been doing quite well together and we want to keep that up," said the Irishman.