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In-demand Lewis Morgan's brilliant double extended St Mirren's lead at the top of the Ladbrokes Championship as they defeated nearest challengers Dundee United 2-0 in Paisley.
The Celtic target struck twice from outside the box as Saints moved five points clear of United, who have a game in hand.
Morgan looks set to be sold in the coming days with Celtic one of several clubs interested but manager Jack Ross is confident he will remain on loan with the club for the remainder of the season.
And the 21-year-old wide player provided further evidence that he could be the man to propel the Buddies to the title as he took his tally for the season to 12 goals in front of 6,214 fans.
Craig Samson also played a key role for the hosts when he saved Paul McMullan's 13th-minute penalty after Mark Durnan was caught on the foot by Ian McShane's attempt to clear.
Scott Fraser and Scott McDonald failed to make the most of half chances just before the break for the visitors but Morgan had shown glimpses of skill in wide areas and he came to the fore in the 59th minute.
The Scotland Under-21 international cut inside two United players and drilled a powerful strike into the bottom corner from almost 25 yards after collecting a pass from a short free-kick.
Morgan scored after another short free-kick in the 78th minute when he took a pass from Stephen McGinn after initially losing possession and fired into the far corner from 20 yards.
United, who lost Fraser Fyvie to a cruciate ligament injury earlier in the week, saw fellow midfielders Willo Flood and Fraser limp off and Cammy Smith missed a good chance for a third goal.
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