Chris Sutton's dramatic injury-time winner inflicted the ultimate humiliation on Alex McLeish's trophyless side with an Old Firm whitewash at Parkhead Saturday.

All-conquering Celtic were looking to rub salt into their arch-rivals' already weeping wounds by becoming the first side since 1964 to win five Glasgow derby games in a season and collect a clean sweep of victories, which has not been done since 1972.

It looked beyond them when the fourth official signalled two extra minutes before the Englishman scored with a stunning injury-time chip.

Before that dramatic winner this game was going to be remembered more for the six yellow cards in a bad-tempered end-of-season showdown and the brave display of Stefan Klos and his defence to keep out Henrik Larsson and Co.

The Swede failed to finish off his seven-year Old Firm career with a goal despite a hatful of chances but it was his strike partner and Footballers' Player of the Year who pounced with the goal to bring their first victory at Parkhead since beating Barcelona on March 11.

But Celtic were still 13 points clear of the Ibrox side.

The atmosphere was as hostile as any Old Firm meeting this season but the Celtic fans were celebrating prematurely after just two minutes.

Stanislav Varga steered Alan Thompson's free-kick past Klos, after Didier Agathe had been pulled back by Paolo Vanoli, but referee Hugh Dallas spotted a foul by Larsson.

Rangers were understandably desperate to avoid five straight Glasgow derby defeats in the same season and enjoyed some good early pressure.

But in the 16th minute Frank de Boer tripped Stephen Pearson but Larsson's low free-kick from 20 yards was comfortably saved by Klos.

The German needed to palm Larsson's flick-on away from under his post with Sutton pressuring him.

Thompson was pelted with missiles as he attempted to take a corner in the 21st minute but Bobo Balde was unable to connect with his cross.

Rangers continued to break with intent and Stephen Hughes' strike was deflected over the top in the 26th minute.

Referee Dallas harshly penalised Vanoli for a challenge on Larsson but justice was done when Varga headed Thompson's free-kick over the crossbar from six yards.

Neil Lennon was incensed a minute later when he spoken to by Dallas for a full-blooded challenge with Fernando Ricksen even though the Dutchman went over the top.

Hughes saw another shot deflected over but Rangers would have snatched the lead in the 38th minute but for a great save from David Marshall.

Mikel Arteta swung in an excellent cross and de Boer's glancing header looked destined for the back of the net but the teenager flung himself and diverted his effort away from goal.

But Marshall breathed a sigh of relief moments later when he failed to hold Michael Mols' fierce shot but Steven Thompson was unable to keep the rebound down.

Chris Burke was Rangers' best hope but his brilliant run and ball across the face of goal was not rewarded as no team-mate was in support.

Balde then did superbly well with a vital last-ditch tackle in the box to prevent Mols from getting a shot on goal.

But it would not be an Old Firm game without a yellow card for Ricksen and that soon followed for another poor challenge.

Celtic were clearly angered and Petrov should have done better in the 59th minute but his weak left-foot effort was pushed around the post by Klos with Pearson overlapping.

The Bulgarian thought that he had finally broken the deadlock two minutes later but he fired Larsson's cross into the side netting.

Petrov was looking for a penalty in the 64th minute when he charged into the box to control Larsson's ball but he fell easily under the challenge of Vanoli.

Pearson was booked for a mis-timed tackle on Burke before Agathe then fired into the side of the net following a frightening burst of pace.

Sutton then swivelled onto Pearson's header but failed to get enough power to beat Klos before Hughes was booked for a foul on Pearson.

Klos showed just why he was Rangers' player of the season as he pulled off a brilliant save from Sutton before a great double stop to deny Larsson.

The Englishman was the next man shown a yellow card for a foul on Ricksen before Larsson squandered another glorious chance to sign off in style.

With seven minutes remaining Petrov teed the Swede up but he tamely fired straight at the German goalkeeper and Sutton copied him soon after.

Martin O'Neill brought on Aiden McGeady in the 85th minute for Pearson but it was Sutton who stole the show with a cool and calculated lob over Klos in injury time.

Teams

Celtic Marshall, Varga, Balde, McNamara, Agathe, Lennon, Petrov, Pearson (McGeady 85), Thompson, Larsson, Sutton.

Subs Not Used: Douglas, Lambert, Mjallby, Beattie.

Booked: Balde, Pearson, Sutton.

Goals: Sutton 90.

Rangers Klos, Hutton, Frank de Boer, Khizanishvili, Vanoli, Burke, Ricksen, Arteta, Hughes (Ball 87), Mols, Thompson.

Subs Not Used: McGregor, Ross, McCormack, Adam.

Booked: Arteta, Ricksen, Hughes.

Att: 58,851

Ref: H Dallas (Scotland).