Aberdeen were edged out in Glasgow in a keenly contested Premiership encounter as Scott Sinclair scored the only goal of the game to give Celtic victory against the Dons.
An even game was settled by the quick feet of Hoops substitute Scott Sinclair as he beat Joe Lewis just after the hour mark to secure all three points for his side.
Dons boss Derek McInnes made two changes to the starting line-up which beat Hibernian in a penalty shootout in the Betfred Cup in midweek for the trip to Parkhead.
Stevie May replaced Sam Cosgrove in attack while Niall McGinn replaced on-loan Derby County left back Max Lowe as McInnes dispersed with his back three from Easter Road in favour of a return to a back four against the champions.
Celtic also made two changes from the team which beat St Johnstone 1-0 in midweek in the cup with Jack Hendry replacing the injured Kristoffer Ajer in central defence while Craig Gordon returned in goal with Scott Bain dropping to the bench.
The first half was a low-key affair and that suited the Dons perfectly. The Hoops had an early chance through James Forrest which went over the crossbar before a long range effort from Odsonne Edouard came back off Joe Lewis’ right post.
The Dons had arguably the best chances, however, with Gary Mackay-Steven wriggling free in the box only to see his close range effort saved by Craig Gordon. From the resulting corner Andy Considine’s header was cleared off the line by Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths.
Both sides continue to push for an opener in the second half and it was Celtic who got it just after the hour mark when substitute Sinclair beat Lewis with a clever backheeled goal from six yards after the Dons had failed to clear a Forrest cross.
