Celtic failed to repeat the champagne display which saw them bury Rangers 5-1 last week - but they still did enough to see off Motherwell.

Two goals either side of half-time from Henrik Larsson and Phil O'Donnell moved the Bhoys to within four points of their fierce rivals having played a game more.

It was the first time since February that the champions had won consecutive league games.

"This was not an easy game for us but an important win," said Celtic head coach Jozef Venglos.

"It was difficult to create opportunities. Once we scored the first goal we were able to get a second soon afterwards and that gave us vital stability, even though the opposition had a positive approach."

Motherwell, fighting to keep clear of the drop zone, held out for 40 minutes. Then it took an error from keeper Mikko Kaven, who fumbled Larsson's shot at his near post.

The Swede made the second on 47 minutes, bringing the ball out of his own half and spotting O'Donnell's run. The winger scored with Kaven slow to come out.

Earlier, forward Lubomir Moravcik should have opened the scoring for Celtic but hit the post with the goal wide open.

Even at 2-0, it was hardly a comfort zone for Celtic. Motherwell fought back and Eddie May's cross almost led to Pat Nevin getting one back as Celtic's on-loan keeper Tony Warner struggled.

May also had a penalty appeal turned down.

But Motherwell manager Billy Davies was furious with his "slack" defence.

"I was disappointed with the two goals we lost especially as we came here looking to pass the ball."

Teams:

Celtic:

Warner, Boyd, Mahe, Stubbs, Larsson, O'Donnell, Donnelly, Lambert, Moravcik, Riseth, Mjallby. Subs: Brattbakk, Hannah, Annoni, McCondichie, Burchill.

Motherwell:

Kaven, May, McMillan, McGowan, Brannan, Valakari, Halliday, Coyle, Doesburg, Teale, Spencer. Subs: McClair, Matthaei, Nevin, Ramsey, Bannister.