Celtic 3-2 Aberdeen

Sep 28 2008 Mark Guidi Reports

AIDEN McGEADY came off the bench to inspire Celtic to victory and must surely now start in Tuesday's Euro clash with Villarreal. Gordon Strachan has used the winger sparingly in recent weeks after being unhappy with his performance in the Old Firm defeat at Parkhead.

But McGeady built on his excellent midweek display against Livingston by helping Celtic rescue the points after a double from Charlie Mulgrew had the Dons dreaming of victory.

There was tension in the stands when former Hoops kid Mulgrew cancelled out Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink's first-half opener with two great strikes.

But McGeady remained calm and composed to set up fellow sub Scott McDonald's equaliser then Vennegoor of Hesselink's injury-time winner.

The 22-year-old has only started one of Celtic's last five matches but should now play a vital part against Spaniards.

The win fired Celtic top of the table although that might only be for 24 hours depending on how Rangers fare at Hibs today.

Strachan's side took the lead in 14 minutes when Mark Kerr and Ricky Foster both failed to clear a simple through ball as Georgios Samaras charged at them.

The Dons duo collided inside their area and Scott Brown showed good anticipation to nip in and win possession.

He rolled the ball into the path of Vennegoor of Hesselink and the Dutchman placed a 10-yard strike past Jamie Langfield.

The Dons responded well and Marc Crosas denied them an equaliser five minutes later when he cleared a Zander Diamond header off the line.

Jimmy Calderwood's men played some decent stuff and were pleasing on the eye going forward. Celtic also played some flowing football but were over-elaborate a couple of times in the final third.

Strachan's side didn't look comfortable defending and Glenn Loovens had a day to forget - guilty of wandering and allowing players to run off him too easily.

Stephen McManus had a few words in his ear and Gary Caldwell must come back in for the Dutchman when Celtic take on Villarreal at El Madrigal.

Mark Wilson had a decent game for the Hoops and was particularly good on the overlap.

But it was the Aberdeen right-back who helped set up the next goal in 57 minutes.

Jared Hodgkiss moved on to a Darren Mackie pass and his cross was flicked on by Lee Miller.

Mulgrew - a first-half sub for the injured Scott Severin - was waiting at the back post and rifled a left-foot shot past Artur Boruc from eight yards.

Strachan responded by bringing on McGeady for Shaun Maloney but Aberdeen stunned Parkhead again by grabbing a second after 65 minutes.

Loovens fouled Miller 25 yards out and Mulgrew sent a powerful, swerving effort into the top left-hand corner.

Celtic made another change in 72 minutes when McDonald came on for Crosas and the Aussie took just six minutes to level.

McGeady's cross made its way though a crowd of bodies and McDonald headed home from close range at the back post. Parkhead erupted and the Hoops piled on the pressure in search of a winner.

McManus had a great chance to fire Celtic in front but failed to hit the target from seven yards with a header. It looked like being a costly miss but the Hoops scored a minute into stoppage time.

McGeady won possession on the right after Mulgrew and Foster had dithered. He fired a low cross into the heart of the penalty area and Diamond couldn't connect as the ball trickled towards the goal-line Vennegoor of Hesselink was there to back-heel home from two yards. It was one of the easiest finishes of his life but could also prove one of the most important.

Aberdeen were gutted but blew a golden chance to level in the dying seconds.

Striker Mackie raced clean through but fired wide from 18 yards for a bad miss.

MATCH STATS

Shots on 8

Shots off 5

Offside 1

Fouls 10

Corners 7

Bookings 1

Shots on 4

Shots off 5

Offside 2

Fouls 7

Corners 2

Bookings 0

REF WATCH

EDDIE SMITH took flak on his last visit here when he awarded Celtic a debatable penalty against St Mirren. However, this was a smoother game and he did well. Rating: 7/10.