Celtic stretch lead at summit

Former Manchester City striker Samaras had missed a sitter just before the break but made up for it three minutes after the restart when he headed Scott McDonald's cross past Bairns goalkeeper Robert Olejnik.

In the 90th minute, Mizuno, making his first start for Celtic, took a pass from fellow Japanese midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura to slot past Olejnik and cap a fine performance. In the third-minute of stoppage-time, from a suspiciously offside-looking position, McDonald rounded Olejnik before slamming in a third.

From Celtic's point of view, it was perfect preparation for next week's Old Firm clash at Ibrox.

Just after kick-off a section of the travelling support, perhaps surprisingly, voiced their support for Aiden McGeady who had been suspended from the first team and fined two weeks' wages after a dressing-room bust-up with manager Gordon Strachan following the 1-1 draw with Hearts.

However, they soon found themselves with a new hero in Mizuno who ended the game with the sound of the fans' cheers in his ears.

Falkirk introduced Mark Stewart and Carl Finnigan for Arnau Riera and Graham Barrett as they went in search of a late leveller, and with the game coming to a close Stewart crashed a speculative drive from 30 yards off the post with Boruc beaten.

As play became increasingly stretched, Samaras had another effort from 30 yards, this time his right-footed drive going wide.

Falkirk threw everything into the final stages, but in the 90th minute Nakamura sent Mizuno racing clear and he poked the ball under Olejnik to seal the victory.

And it was Mizuno who will take most of the plaudits from this game as the McGeady saga was almost forgotten for the afternoon.