CHRIS SUTTON admits that Celtic winger Liel Abada can leave him frustrated at times - but believes the Israeli has a happy knack of popping up with big goals for Ange Postecoglou's team.

The Parkhead side hosted Dundee United on Saturday and were desperate for a win after Rangers dropped points away to Ross County earlier in the afternoon.

A dogged display from United mean the match was still goalless as it entered second-half stoppage time before Abada showed great composure to control a tricky ball in the box and coolly slot it home to seal a huge win for his team.

It was the 20-year-old's twelfth goal for the club after joining from Maccabi Petah Tikva in his homeland last summer and it was arguably the most important yet as Celtic cut the gap with Rangers at the Premiership's summit to two points ahead of Wednesday's derby.

And while there are aspects of Abada's game that he would like to see the attacker work on on the training ground, Sutton pointed out that he is developing a habit of popping up with important goals.

And on a day where a number of first-team regulars were missing through injury and victory was a must, Sutton praised the mentality shown by Postecglou's players.

He tweeted: "Abada is young and frustrates at times but he has a wonderful habit of nicking a goal!

"Poor performance from Celtic in truth but incredible drive and character to win with so many key players missing."