Celtic paid the price for a sloppy start and a superb display from former goalkeeper Scott Bain as they fell to a 2-0 defeat at Falkirk .

Ethan Ross netted in the third minute after a mistake by Cameron Carter-Vickers and Scott Tanser put Falkirk two ahead in the 38th minute.

Bain made 10 saves as Martin O’Neill ’s side endured an afternoon of frustration and suffered a sixth defeat in 10 matches.

The champions remain four points clear at the top of the William Hill Premiership but have now played a game more than second-placed Rangers.

Falkirk moved up to fourth in the table after their fourth consecutive victory and their first over Celtic since 2007.

Carter-Vickers returned to the starting line-up after injury, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was handed his first start in two months.…