Chris Sutton proved once again at Kilmarnock today that he is the man Celtic need most - irrespective of concerns over Bobo Balde's Parkhead future.

Sutton, who signed a new contract last season, bagged his seventh goal in eight matches when he scored the winner from the spot at Rugby Park to regain Celtic's three-point advantage at the top of the Bank of Scotland Premier League.

The striker's deeds continue apace against the back-drop of Balde's hesitation over a new deal and suggestions the giant defender is ready to make either a pre-contract agreement with or transfer-window move to Middlesbrough or Everton.

Celtic were solid at the back today and have a ready-made replacement for Balde in former Liverpool defender Stephane Henchoz, who signed a short-term deal on Friday.

But as the uncertainty goes on over Balde's future, at the other end Sutton scored his 13th goal of the campaign to decide a desperately one-sided match in Ayrshire.

Celtic have been grinding out results recently without being too impressive - but they got into their stride quickly at Kilmarnock.

Stilian Petrov had Alan Combe frantically scurrying across his goalline in the third minute as he let fly with a low right-foot effort from more than 30 yards after getting away from Gary Locke - but Kilmarnock were relieved to see the ball fly past the upright.

Balde should have handed the champions a dream opener just two minutes later.

The Kilmarnock defence were sleeping as he got on the end of Alan Thompson's cross to the back post, but his header flicked the bar and bounced over.

Sutton was also guilty of squandering a great opportunity in the ninth minute when Thompson opted to cross to the near post this time only for the striker to head powerfully past the post with Combe flat-footed.

John Hartson exchanged passes with Sutton, just inside the area, but his hopeful flick at the ball went over the top.

The Welshman looked to have an easier chance of opening the scoring in the 18th minute, with the Kilmarnock defence in all kinds of trouble.

Sutton pulled the ball back to Petrov to try a shot, and his effort came towards Hartson who failed to make contact just eight yards out.

Kilmarnock were creating very little in front of goal, and Celtic continued to have the better chances - with Petrov firing wide from Sutton's lay-off in the 23rd minute.

Sutton twice went close from two quick Aiden McGeady and Thompson corners in the 29th minute. First Simon Ford got a touch to the initial header to deflect the ball just past the goal, and then Sutton arrived at the near post to put his next effort among the fans.

Referee Iain Brines had to speak to Steven Naismith for giving Neil Lennon some rough treatment - before he awarded the champions a penalty in the 37th minute.

Danny Invincibile and Hartson went up for a Thompson free-kick in the box, and the ball struck the Kilmarnock man on the arm.

Brines immediately pointed to the spot, and Sutton was just as emphatic as he fired the ball past the despairing hand of Combe and into the bottom left corner.

Celtic were totally in charge, but the first notable incident of the second half saw Petrov booked in the 55th minute for a rash challenge on Garry Hay.

Kilmarnock suffered another major blow when Kris Boyd hobbled off to be replaced by Colin Nish.

Hartson was booked for a poorly-timed tackle on Locke, and Celtic's unemployed goalkeeper Robert Douglas was finally forced into action on the hour when he comfortably saved Peter Leven's long-range drive.

The home side began to get as frustrated as their animated manager Jim Jefferies, and Gary MacDonald was booked for a stupid challenge on the impressive Ulrik Laursen.

Hartson had the ball in the net moments later but did not too aggrieved when the referee gestured that he been pushing in the area.

Jefferies brought on former Rangers winger Allan Johnston for Naismith in the 67th minute.

Henri Camara replaced the lively McGeady - but it was Thompson and Hartson who went closest to wrapping up the points.

Jefferies made his last throw of the dice in the 81st minute by bringing on Gary Wales for Invincibile, before Combe comfortably held Camara's powerful drive.

It was nervous late on for Celtic as Kilmarnock caused more danger in the last 10 minutes than they had in the previous 80.

The hosts' appeals for a penalty were rejected as Wales went down under the challenge of Sutton.

Lennon was booked for dissent, before Hartson came within inches of making it 2-0 when he chipped against the bar from Thompson's cross with Combe well beaten.

Teams

Kilmarnock Combe, Lilley, Ford, Fontaine, Hay, Naismith (Johnston 67), Leven, Locke, McDonald, Boyd (Nish 57), Invincibile (Wales 80).

Subs Not Used: Smith, Fowler, Murray, Dodds.

Booked: McDonald, Locke, Hay.

Celtic Douglas, McNamara, Balde, Varga, Laursen, Petrov, Lennon, Thompson, McGeady (Camara 70), Sutton, Hartson.

Subs Not Used: Marshall, Juninho Paulista, Lambert, Wallace, Lawson, McManus.

Booked: Petrov, Hartson, Lennon.

Goals: Sutton 38 pen.

Att: 9,723

Ref: I Brines (Scotland).