Celtic close in on fourth straight title

Celtic edged closer to a fourth successive championship after a 2-0 win over Aberdeen yesterday sent them four points clear at the top of the Scottish Premier League.

With Rangers not playing Hibernian at Easter Road until this afternoon, the Hoops knew a win against the Dons would pile the pressure on their Old Firm rivals.

But in what was an open first-half it took until the 43rd minute for Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, captain in the absence of injured Stephen McManus, to give Celtic the lead.

The Dutchman, who had not scored since September before his goal against Hamilton a fortnight ago, fired home from close range to score his fourth in as many games.

Australian Scott McDonald then sealed the points for the Hoops with a powerful finish following a good passing move early in the second half to end Aberdeen's seven-match unbeaten run.

Gordon Strachan will now take his team to Spain for a week's training camp before they resume league action in a fortnight's time as the SPL splits in two.