Two goals by Henrik Larsson and one from
Chris Sutton (above) had Celtic on easy street after just over 20
minutes.
After that the champions took their foot off
the pedal and added just one further goal courtesy of Sutton.
Kilmarnock had the first good chance of the
game in seven minutes when Peter Canero picked out Paul Di Giacomo in
the middle, but his header drifted wide.
Neil Lennon brought out a save from Gordon
Marshall minutes later, but the keeper was given no chance when Henrik
Larsson opened the scoring in 11 minutes.
Lennon's cross into the middle found the
Killie defence static as Larsson darted in to sidefoot the ball into
the net.
The visiting defence was clearly in
benevolent mood as five minutes later they allowed Sutton to waltz
through unchallenged before doubling Celtic's lead with a low drive
past Marshall.
A poor clearance by Rab Douglas almost
allowed Killie to pull a quick goal back, but the keeper got down well
to tip Alan Mahood's long-range effort round the post.
But with only 21 minutes gone Celtic had made
it three, Joos Valgaeren's header looped onto the bar but Larsson was
on hand to nod into the net.
After that early goalrush, Celtic eased off
slightly and it was Kilmarnock substitute Ally Mitchell, on for the
injured Canero, who had the next effort on goal, testing Douglas from
distance.
Celtic began the second half as comfortably
as they had seen out the first, and with next weekend's Old Firm game
seemingly in mind, they were unwilling to exert themselves
unnecessarily.
But even then they managed to extend their
lead in 66 minutes, Sutton getting his second after Larsson had
rounded the keeper before rolling the ball into his strike partner's
path.
Larsson might have sealed his hat-trick as
the match neared an end, but Marshall dived bravely at the Swede's
feet to foil him.
Moments later Marshall did well again, saving
well from John Hartson after Larsson had played him in.
Then Hartson hit the post from Guppy's cross
as Celtic came even closer to adding to their tally.
They finally did get the fifth when Larsson
grabbed his third from the spot after substitute Shaun Maloney had
been downed in the box.
Attendance:
57,469
Kilmarnock: Gordon
Marshall, Greg Shields, Chris Innes, Barry McLaughlin, Peter Canero
(Ally Mitchell, 36), James Fowler, Alan Mahood, Jesus Sanjuan, Steve
Fulton, Paul Di Giacomo, Jose Quitongo
Subs: Colin Meldrum, Ally Mitchell, Gary Hay, Kris
Boyd, Mark Canning
