Celtic took over at the top of the Scottish Premier League for the first time since September after a workmanlike victory in their Glasgow derby against Partick Thistle.

Thistle had recently given Martin O'Neill's side a fright in the CIS Cup.

But an own-goal by former Celtic defender Derek Whyte put the home side in charge after only 12 minutes.

And Stilian Petrov added two more either side of the break before Henrik Larsson made his now traditional appearance on the scoresheet to emphasise the difference in class.

Victory means that the reigning champions overtake Rangers by a point in the two-horse race for the title.

Thistle's Derek Whyte (left) scored an own goal

Their Glasgow rivals had been held to a draw at Aberdeen on Saturday.

Celtic were given a hero's welcome after their impressive midweek Uefa Cup victory over Blackburn Rovers.

O'Neill made just three changes from the side that won at Ewood Park.

Striker John Hartson was given a rest ahead of a vital Euro 2004 qualifier for Wales in midweek.

Ulrik Laursen and Steve Guppy also dropped out, Paul Lambert, Alan Thompson and Jackie McNamara being given starting places.

The visitors remain in the relegation zone but took confidence from their recent visit to Celtic Park, when they only lost on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the CIS Cup.

Thistle welcomed back Alan Archibald and Jamie Mitchell, with Kenny Milne and Jamie Buchan missing.

Goalkeeper Kenny Arthur had already done well to block a Larsson effort before being left helpless when Whyte met a Sutton cross and sliced the ball into his own net.

Sutton volleyed just wide and Arthur produced a couple of good saves to deny the striker and fellow Englishman Thompson.

Partick's best attempt came from a looping header from Martin Hardie that almost caught Rab Douglas off his line, but the goalkeeper stretched back to save.

It was no surprise when Celtic extended their lead after 33 minutes.

Comeback men: Archibald and McNamara

Lennon won the ball in midfield and threaded the ball through to Petrov, who coolly side-footed into the corner of the net.

Larsson sliced a right-foot shot well wide of the mark when he should have made it three.

A Petrov volley from the edge of the box flew just wide as Celtic continued to dominate after the break.

The Bulgarian missed a great chance after picking up a loose ball from Whyte on the edge of the box and firing wide.

Arthur did well to tip a Sutton header over the bar after a fine cross from Larsson.

The Swede was again the provider as his through-ball found Petrov racing into the box to chip Arthur for Celtic's third goal after 68 minutes.

Shaun Maloney was the provider in the dying seconds, the substitute's low cross being turned home by Larsson at the near post.

Celtic: Douglas, McNamara, Valgaeren, Balde (Fernandez 71), Agathe, Lambert, Lennon (Crainey 79), Thompson, Petrov (Maloney 79), Larsson, Sutton.
Subs Not Used: Gould, Sylla.

Goals: Whyte (own goal) 12, Petrov 33, 68, Larsson 90.

Partick: Arthur, Paterson (McKinstry 80), Whyte, Chiarini, Craigan, Mitchell (Gibson 83), Lilley, Hardie, Archibald, Burns, Britton (Walker 71).
Subs Not Used: Budinauckas, Waddell.

Attendance: 57,839

Referee: K Toner.