Kelechi Iheanacho’s first goal in six months saw Celtic cut the gap on William Hill Premiership leaders Hearts to three points as they ended their troubles in Dundee with a 2-1 win at Dens Park.

Iheanacho out-muscled Ryan Astley to control fellow substitute Marcelo Saracchi’s cross and fire home the winner from six yards. The 82nd-minute goal ensured the third-placed champions took advantage of Hearts dropping two points at bottom club Livingston earlier in the day.

Celtic had lost in all three previous trips to Dundee this season and looked like they might slip up again when Simon Murray equalised from a VAR-assisted penalty in the 57th minute. Steven McLean ultimately pointed to the spot after Astley hit a bouncing ball off the outstretched arm of Colby Donovan.

Dundee had rarely threatened before then and had fallen behind when Yang Hyun-jun got the final touch in an eighth-minute attack.

Celtic missed a series of chances before the leveller but Iheanacho’s long-awaited goal was soon followed by a red card for Astley as the visitors made the three-way title fight as tight as it has been all season.

Iheanacho’s return to scoring form after major hamstring problems could be a timely boost for Martin O’Neill given...