Celtic title hopes salvaged as debutant strikes stunning late winner

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain marked his Celtic debut with a sensational 91st-minute winner against Livingston to keep the club’s Scottish Premiership title challenge alive.

Immediate impact in Glasgow

The former England international, who signed for the club just four days ago, curled home a dramatic finish deep into stoppage time.

It ensured Martin O’Neill’s men avoided a damaging stalemate against the Premiership’s bottom side.

Ambitions of catching league leaders Hearts appeared to be fading as the clock ticked down at a nervous Celtic Park.

The hosts had struggled to break down a resilient Livingston defence after surrendering an early lead.

Frustration turns to elation

Marcelo Saracchi had initially put the champions ahead, finding the net inside the opening 15 minutes.

However, the atmosphere turned tense when Robbie Muirhead restored parity from the penalty spot shortly after the break.

Livingston goalkeeper Jerome Prior seemed destined to be the hero for the visitors.

The shot-stopper produced a heroic performance, making nine saves to thwart the relentless green and white wave.

But Oxlade-Chamberlain, introduced off the bench in the 78th minute, eventually found a way through.

The title race picture

This victory proved vital for the Hoops, who now sit six points adrift of the summit with a game in hand.

It was a particularly significant evening in the context of the wider title race.

With Rangers conceding late to draw against 10-man Motherwell, Celtic have moved within a single point of their city rivals.

O’Neill’s side will look to carry this momentum into Sunday’s clash with Kilmarnock.