Scott McDonald celebrated career game no250 with a goal in Celtic's 2-0 victory over Aberdeen. It was the Australian's 18th goal of the season, with the win taking the Hoops four points clear of rivals Rangers who play against Hibernian at Easter Road tomorrow.

McDonald almost talked his way into a red card during the game.

The Australian found himself in the book after remonstrating with the referee following a foul on him by Scott Severin.

Lee Naylor tried to calm him down but McDonald rejected his team-mates' advice, carrying on his haranguing of the official for minutes afterwards until he received a final warning.

Celtic teammate Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink said: "I don't know what happened but sometimes Scott has a temper, but that's good because he needs that in his play.

"Scott is really ambitious and wants to work hard for the team, that's what makes him so good and that's why he scores so many goals.

"But I wasn't worried, he's a professional."

Hoops boss Gordon Strachan, however, believes referee Dougie McDonald should have offered his namesake some more protection.

He said: "When he calmed down he was fine.

"He was on the receiving end of a few rough ones today but when you are playing well as a striker then you have to accept that sometimes you are going to get a few.

"You try to tell your players not to react and get on and play, but you are hoping the referee then protects your players.

"I might have substituted him but he calmed down and concentrated which was good."