Lennon happy after downing Dons

Celtic manager Neil Lennon praised his side for another accomplished display after they ran out 3-0 winners over 10-man Aberdeen to go eight points clear of Old Firm rivals Rangers.

Goals from Gary Hooper, Mark Wilson and Anthony Stokes gave the Celts their third win over the Dons in 11 days. Celtic have now won nine of their last 10 matches in all competitions and Lennon admitted he is delighted with how his side are playing ahead of Sunday's trip to Ibrox to face Rangers in the Scottish Cup.

"We are on a decent run - there is no doubt about it. It was a difficult game and it was vital that we won and the manner of the victory was very, very pleasing. The confidence is there and they are playing with a bit of freedom as well," said Lennon.

"I'm delighted we kept another clean sheet and scored three more goals. The gap is now eight points, which means we are just asking the right questions and that is all we can do at the moment."

Lennon was particularly pleased with strike duo Hooper and Stokes who gave Aberdeen's rearguard a torrid evening as well as chipping in with a goal each.

He said: "I thought Hooper was absolutely brilliant throughout and his touch, awareness and strength were excellent. Anthony also played well and took his goal brilliantly. He has got eight goals in his last six matches and that is exactly what we bought him to the club to do."

Lennon was also thrilled for defender Wilson, who celebrated his call-up to Scotland's squad for their Carling Nations Cup clash against Northern Ireland with a rare goal.

He added: "I'm delighted for Mark as he is in a rich vein of form. The only thing that has stopped Mark progressing in his career is that he has been blighted with injuries. He has been very consistent for me in a variety of positions, whether it be right-back, left-back or centre-half and he was faultless."