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Celtic’s mammoth victory at Rugby Park had a freaky familiarity with another big Celtic win in Ayrshire.

Scott Brown’s deflected winner sent Celtic eight points clear at the top of the table. Just like in 2016, when a Tom Rogic thunderbolt provided Celtic with all three points.

The title ramifications were huge after both victories. This, however, feels a little bit more important given the circumstances.

It’s hard to remember the time Celtic last had it easy at Rugby Park. Although Kilmarnock have been much improved in the last 18 months under Steve Clark, they’ve always been a tough opponent for Celtic.

It can’t be denied that their plastic pitch is somewhat of an equaliser for them. However they’re also a very well drilled outfit under their new manager.

They even provided a fine defensive display without their star man at the back. Stuart Findlay, their hero the last time Celtic travelled to Ayrshire, was out with an injury.

Celtic didn’t really get going on the plastic pitch. They started brightly and created a few half chances. However it was always a day for grinding out a win rather than blowing their opposition out the water.

However, just like in 2016 when Rogic thundered one in, the champions found a way.

Like they so often have done under Brendan Rodgers, Celtic would not be denied the chance to move eight clear of Rangers.

With their rivals only drawing at home against St Johnstone, any dropped points for Celtic would have been criminal.

Brown, via the helping hand of Alex Bruce, ensured the Bhoys took full advantage of the Rangers slip up.

The scenes afterwards, with many fans ending up on the pitch, was also similar to 2016. Brown was shown a second yellow card, and subsequently will miss Celtic’s next match at home to Motherwell.

The pitch invasion and celebrations meant something special. Celtic just took an enormous step towards eight in a row.

The gr-eight escape

Celtic’s number eight fired them eight points clear in the quest for title number eight.

It was also Celtic’s eight consecutive domestic win since the restart.

It’s cliche to always point at late winners and say: ‘That’s the goal that secured the title.”

However at Rugby Park, it felt like the three points that will propel Celtic all the way in the title race.

When all is said and done in May, a fierce February fixture won’t be far away in every Celtic supporter’s mind.