Celtic eased three points clear of Aberdeen at the top of the Scottish Premiership after eventually overcoming Hamilton at a rain-soaked Parkhead.
Accies captain Michael McGovern, a former Celt, held the home side at bay in the first-half but he was powerless as the champions stepped up the pace after the break.
The returning Kris Commons opened the scoring in the 56th minute and after goals from midfielder Stefan Johansen and striker John Guidetti, the former Scotland midfielder helped himself to a second.
The Hoops have a game in hand over the Dons, who they host on Sunday in a match which will surely be a more even encounter than the one against Accies.
Hamilton have yet to win in eight games under player/manager Martin Canning since he took over from Alex Neil who left for Norwich last month.
Before the visit of the Pittodrie men Celtic face Inter Milan in the second-leg of the last-32 Europa League tie having fought out a thrilling 3-3 draw at Celtic Park on Thursday night and will go into that game with confidence.
As expected, with one eye on the trip to Milan, Ronny Deila used his squad.
Commons, recovered from a hamstring injury, Guidetti, defender Efe Ambrose, and winger James Forrest were all handed a start with Adam Matthews, Stuart Armstrong, Gary Mackay-Steven and Leigh Griffiths dropping to the bench.
Deila was “very pleased” with his side’s performance and revealed defender Jason Denayer came off at the interval with cramp in his calf but would be fit for Milan.
However, it remains to be seen if Anthony Stokes will be on the plane after being left out again.
The 26-year-old Republic of Ireland international was late back to training last week, with the Celtic boss saying: “It was an internal thing and we dealt with it.”
Deila claimed it was “100%” a football decision, adding: “We are after development and Anthony has things he has to improve on and he is very motivated to do that.”
Commons, who admitted he watched the first leg against Inter in disguise to sit among friends in the Jock Stein Stand, said: “It was difficult for me because it was probably the first game I had watched from behind the goal with football fans.
“But I didn’t see the point of sitting in the players’ lounge, behind glass, without the atmosphere.
Commons admits there was a time he would have gambled with his fitness but hopes he has worked himself back into the plans for the second leg.
He said: “If I had been younger I would have played but there is a lot of football to be played and I wanted to be involved in the run-in rather than just the one game.”