McGeady´s double gives Celtic a convincing start

Celtic laid down an early marker in the Scottish Premier League title race as last season’s runners-up started the new campaign with a 3-1 victory at Aberdeen on Saturday.

With Tony Mowbray taking charge of his first league match since replacing Gordon Strachan in the close-season, Celtic’s players were keen to show they can win back the title from Rangers and raced into a three-goal lead before half-time.

Aiden McGeady’s double strike and a Scott McDonald goal had the Hoops in control and, although Dons midfielder Sone Aluko pulled one back after the break, there was never any danger of a telling comeback as the visitors got the boost they wanted for Tuesday’s Champions League clash against Arsenal at Parkhead.

Celtic were quickly into their stride and McGeady worked a one-two with McDonald before driving wide from the edge of the area.

They kept up the pressure and it took two fine saves from Jamie Langfield to keep out Shaun Maloney. First the winger’s toe-poke from close range was pushed away by Langfield, then seconds later the keeper repelled a powerful Maloney drive.

Langfield was in action again as he saved from Marc Antoine Fortune’s shot but it wasn’t long before Celtic took the lead.

In the 28th minute, Maloney picked out Fortune on the left side of the box and his angled shot was blocked by Langfield, only to loop back off the striker towards McGeady, who bundled the ball over the line.

Aberdeen were in such disarray that boss Mark McGhee hauled off Darren Mackie to try to spark his side into life.

It made no difference and McGeady increased Celtic’s lead with a superb curling effort in the 42nd minute.

There was still time for Celtic to grab a third before half-time as Dons defender Richard Foster failed to clear a Fortune cross and Australia striker McDonald slammed home.

With one eye on the Arsenal clash, Mowbray replaced Glenn Loovens with Scott Brown and moved Massimo Donati back to defence.

In the 61st minute, Aberdeen claimed a consolation goal through Aluko.

Substitute Michael Paton sent in a cross which was laid off by Gary McDonald and Aluko controlled the ball on his chest before sending a dipping volley from 16 yards over Artur Boruc.