Celtic v Aberdeen: Ronny Deila will keep title celebrations on ice despite victory over nearest challengers

Celtic 4 Aberdeen 0

Jason Denayer heads Celtic's opener against Aberdeen (GETTY)

Ronny Deila says he will keep the Scottish Premiership title celebrations on hold despite his Celtic side despatching nearest challengers Aberdeen to go six points clear with a game in hand.

Against the run of play, defender Jason Denayer headed in from a corner in the 37th minute before the visitors fell apart after the break.

Leigh Griffiths made it 2-0 with a penalty and Gary Mackay-Steven and Stefan Johansen added further goals for Celtic’s third win of the season over Aberdeen.

The hosts can stretch their lead at the top further against St Johnstone on Wednesday night, but Deila has refused to write off Aberdeen as title challengers after they lost their first league game in 14.

“I don’t take anything for granted,” he said. “I have been in football for many years, so I know how quick it can turn around if you start to lose focus on the right things.

“If we do everything we have done so far for the rest of the season, it is going to be very hard for them.”

Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes said his side took “a sore one”, although he refused to be too critical. “Celtic showed exactly why they’re top of the league because they’ve got players who can exploit those moments of lacks in concentration,” he said.

“There is an acceptance that maybe we are not quite ready to go and take them on. But there is the feeling we can improve and that’s the target for any team.”