Strachan delighted with Celtic's 'fantastic energy'

Published on Monday 4 May 2009 09:57

CELTIC manager Gordon Strachan hailed his team's "fantastic energy" after an assertive second-half display overcame a difficult challenge from Aberdeen.

Scott McDonald took his tally for the Hoops to 50 goals with a late double to hand them a 3-1 victory at Pittodrie yesterday and keep them on course for their fourth successive Clydesdale Bank Premier League title.

The victory never looked in doubt after McDonald struck a low first-time effort into the bottom corner in the 72nd minute after Andreas Hinkel's measured cross.But there was concern on the Celtic bench as Aberdeen moved forward with purpose during the first half.

Chris Maguire had already missed a great chance before heading the Dons in front following a free-kick from Charlie Mulgrew, who then saw Scott Severin shoot over after his deep corner had caught out Artur Boruc.

Celtic also had first-half chances and Jamie Langfield twice saved well from Paul Hartley, but there was an element of fortune about their equaliser in the final minute of the half. Langfield looked to have Gary Caldwell's header covered before Andrew Considine diverted it over the goalkeeper's head following a disputed free-kick.

But Celtic took full advantage by producing an accomplished second-half display to claim only their second away win of 2009.

Shunsuke Nakamura was influential on the ball and set up McDonald's injury-time goal, while Hartley drove forward well in the absence of the suspended Scott Brown and drew another excellent save from Langfield.

Strachan said: "There was high energy and purposeful football from Aberdeen in the first half. We had a few chances but we were a bit lax with our tackling, heading and a bit indisciplined in giving free-kicks away.

"But we stuck at it and reorganised at half-time and got better and better and better.

"Their energy was absolutely fantastic and they made a lot of good chances."

Aberdeen manager Jimmy Calderwood also felt Celtic's energy was the key to their victory, saying: "Their movement and work rate, outside their undoubted quality and finishing ability, that was the difference."