Neil Lennon said he will be a happier man when his Celtic side start turning their domination into goals.

The Hoops cruised to a 2-0 Premier League win over St Mirren at Parkhead on Saturday but the scoreline in no way reflected the home side’s superiority.

Midfielder Victor Wanyama opened the scoring in the 15th minute at the second attempt from Charlie Mulgrew’s corner and it was just reward for their impressive start to the game.

However, despite monopolising possession playing in a 3-5-2 formation, Celtic struggled in front of goal until seven minutes from time, when striker Gary Hooper scored from close range to seal their fourth victory in succession and take the champions four points clear of Motherwell at the top of the table with a game in hand.

The Parkhead boss, who hopes to be present at the Champions League last-16 draw in Nyon on Thursday – “If I can I will” – praised his side’s play but would like, when they are so much in control, to secure the points more quickly.

“I would like to see us put teams away a little bit earlier,” said Lennon. “If that comes then I think we will be rampant. There was a good focus and intensity to our play and I am glad to see Hooper scoring again. . .

“We created good, clear-cut chances and with better finishing could have won the game more handsomely.”