Celtic underlined their status as Scottish Premiership champions with their fourth win of the season over nearest challengers Aberdeen.

The Hoops were given a guard of honour by the Dons players before the game, but there was certainly no sense of deference as Derek McInnes’s side looked the more determined in the first half at a blustery Pittodrie.

However, Celtic skipper Scott Brown’s early second- half finish from close range after starting the move at the edge of his own penalty area was the difference between the two sides, despite a valiant effort from the hosts.

Ronny Deila’s men opened the gap to 14 points with two games remaining for them.

The fixture, in reality, had little at stake, but the Norwegian fielded a strong side, although right-back Darnell Fisher made his first start of the season.

Midfielder Stuart Armstrong was also drafted back in as Efe Ambrose and Gary Mackay-Steven dropped to the bench, joined by the surprise figure of midfielder Tom Rogic whose last appearance for the Hoops was against AC Milan in November 2013.

Aberdeen midfielders Barry Robson, back from suspension, and Kenny McLean came in for Willo Flood and Peter Pawlett, who were named among the substitutes.

Aberdeen took the game to Celtic in a high-tempo start. A neat one-two between Robson and McLean in the 11th minute ended when the former Celt sent a 30-yard drive past Craig Gordon’s right-hand post.

Celtic’s best chance of the first half came in the 36th minute when Stefan Johansen’s weak lob was clawed away by Aberdeen goalkeeper Scott Brown for a corner.

The Dons piled forward in the closing stages of the game but the determined Hoops’ defence held firm.