In a game which was spoiled by the wind Celtic’s best effort in the first half was Gary Hooper’s long-distance strike which Craig Samson saved while Celtic keeper Fraser Forster made a string of saves, the best being from former Parkhead midfielder Paul McGowan.

But in the 71st minute Forrest took a pass from Brown and beat Samson from the edge of the box before the Hoops skipper grabbed number two with three minutes remaining to put the pressure on Rangers who play Aberdeen at Ibrox later in the day.

Celtic were pressing hard for the opener and it came in the 71st minute from Forrest with his eighth goal of the season.

Following a Commons free-kick which was cleared to the edge of the box, Hoops’ skipper Scott Brown set up the Scotland winger who drove low past Samson into the corner of the net.

With nothing to lose St Mirren piled forward and Forster made another good close-range block, this time from Saints defender Lee Mair following a Carey corner.

In an exciting finale Hooper shot wide of the target from inside the box as did Imrie at the other end before Brown, with three minutes remaining, took a Commons corner outside the box and curled his shot past Samson to ensure the three points.

Rogne then had the ball in the net only to be ruled offside but it was academic to the celebrating Hoops fans.