Soccer:Celtic manager Neil Lennon hailed Gary Hooper's goal as "a thing of beauty" after his team beat Dundee United at Tannadice to cut the gap behind Scottish Premier League leaders Rangers to four points.

Former Scunthorpe striker Hooper scored in the 12th minute, taking a James Forrest pass inside the United box before drilling the ball low past Dusan Pernis. Lennon praised the forward, who has now scored seven goals in his last four starts for Celtic.

“The goal was a thing of beauty,” Lennon said. “It was a great goal and great ball in. He’s hit the ball great and that’s him at this best. He’s got quick feet, Gary, and it was a good finish for us as well. He’s comfortable on his left foot and he’s got that change of pace which is very deceiving for defenders at times.

“His first touch has improved a lot this season.”

However, despite the win, Lennon pinpointed room for improvement. “I’m a hard man to please,” he said. “We started the game ever so well and the first 45 minutes was the best we’ve played away from home this season. The intensity was there but we lacked something in the final third at times.”