Falkirk, Scotland (My Sportsbook) - Robbie Keane scored a goal in each half and Celtic defeated Falkirk 2-0 on Sunday at Falkirk Stadium for its first win over the struggling club in three matches this season.
Celtic settled for draws in its first two games with Falkirk, 3-3 on the road, and 1-1 at Parkhead. The Bhoys claimed the third meeting against the side last in the Scottish Premier League to move back within 10 points of Rangers.
Rangers dropped Celtic 10 points off the pace last Sunday with a 1-0 victory in the Old Firm, and beat St. Mirren 3-1 on Saturday to push its lead to 13.
Celtic manager Tony Mowbray considered benching Keane following his match with Ireland earlier this week against Brazil, but the Tottenham loanee started and rewarded his coach with his third and fourth goals.
"I was half tempted to put Robbie on the bench after (the Brazil game) midweek but I started him and he got his goals," Celtic boss Tony Mowbray said on the league's website.
Keane, who is Ireland's captain, turned an assist from Morten Rasmussen into the opener in the 34th when he slotted low past Falkirk goalie Robert Olejnik.
Keane added his second in the 79th when he met a free kick from Marc Crosas to beat Olejnik for the second time.
Celtic kept its slim title hopes alive, but would still need a collapse in the closing weeks from Rangers to dethrone the defending champions.
Falkirk boss Steven Pressley was pleased with the effort, but his side sits in last place and three points behind Hamilton and St. Mirren.
"I thought we controlled the game for long periods and I'm devastated for the players," Pressley said.
Morgaro Gomis scored in the 78th as Dundee United reclaimed third with a 1-0 win over Hearts at Tannadice Park.