Celtic slumped to a surprise 2-1 loss to lowly St. Johnstone in the Scottish Premier League yesterday, maintaining the defending champions’ below-par start to the season.

Rowan Vine grabbed the 80th-minute winner for the hosts, who started the day bottom of the standings with just two points from their opening five games.

Celtic, the runaway champions last season, has now dropped points in three of their five matches in the new campaign and is in the unusual position of third place..

Neil Lennon’s side went in front through Kris Commons after four minutes but Gregory Tade equalised for St. Johnstone in the 18th.