Julian Araujo's stoppage-time winner inspired Celtic to a 3-2 comeback victory over Kilmarnock to reignite their Scottish Premiership title hopes.

Martin O'Neill's side seemed set to lose further ground in their pursuit of Hearts, until Araujo's 97th-minute finish completed a remarkable turnaround, having trailed by two goals at half-time.

The last-gasp victory moved Celtic – who needed another stoppage-time finish from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to see off Livingston on Wednesday – within three points of leaders Hearts.

Kilmarnock came flying out of the blocks and edged ahead 21 minutes in, when Joe Hugill sent Tyreece John-Jules through, with the striker stepping inside Auston Trusty and driving home from a tight angle.

The same pair combined for the hosts' second goal seven minutes later as John-Jules lifted in a delicate chip for Hugill to loop a fine header over the stranded Kasper Schmeichel.

O'Neill responded with a triple change at the break, and that soon paid dividends when substitute Sebastian Tounekti cut inside and curled a fine finish past Kelle Roos just before the hour.

Kilmarnock then failed to clear a long throw-in in the 64th minute, with Benjamin Nygren on hand to sweep in his 13th league goal this campaign and restore parity.

John-Jules almost restored Kilmarnock's lead with a free-kick that clipped the crossbar before he was withdrawn due to injury, while Tounekti headed just wide at the other end.

But Araujo caused hectic scenes in the away end by smashing home from close range in the dying seconds, with his caution for jumping into the stands summarising a chaotic finale.

Data Debrief: Celtic celebrate O'Neill milestone in style

This game looked set to mark a massive missed opportunity in O'Neill's 300th match in charge of Celtic in all competitions, becoming the sixth manager to hit that milestone with the club.

His side accumulated a massive 2.89 expected goals (xG) to Kilmarnock's 0.94, though it appeared both sides would be forced to settle for a point in another blow to Celtic's title hopes.

However, Araujo stepped up with the decisive moment with just seconds to go, sealing Celtic's seventh straight win over Kilmarnock in the competition, and moving them two points clear of third-placed Rangers.