Hatate to the fore as Celtic maintain nine-point lead

Reo Hatate inspired Celtic to a 4-0 victory over Aberdeen as the champions maintained their nine-point lead in the cinch Premiership.

The Japan midfielder showed a real desire to make a difference in the final third and he quickly added to Callum McGregor's early opener before firing home in the second half after some outrageous skill to claim his second double in consecutive games.

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Substitute Liel Abada got himself on the scoresheet to further boost Celtic's confidence ahead of next Sunday's Viaplay Cup final against Rangers.

Kyogo Furuhashi was kept on the bench for 71 minutes ahead of the Hampden tie after injuring his shoulder the previous weekend, and the forward showed no ill effects when he came on.

South Korea striker Oh Hyeon-gyu made his first start for Celtic and had a quiet introduction although he was involved in the build-up to the second goal.

Aaron Mooy was a surprise absentee for Celtic, who were also without David Turnbull but Matt O'Riley impressed alongside Hatate in the attacking midfield roles.

Celtic were ahead inside two minutes when McGregor pounced on Jonny Hayes' headed clearance and fired a first-time shot from 16 yards which on-loan Ajax goalkeeper Jay Gorter could not keep out.

Jota threatened with a low cross and a drive before Hatate doubled the lead in the 16th minute.

The midfielder received the ball from Greg Taylor just outside the box and moved towards several opponents before dropping his shoulder and curling the ball into the bottom corner.

Celtic looked like they were going to add to their tally in the first half as they continued swarming forward.

Aberdeen survived balls across the face of goal from Daizen Maeda, O'Riley and Taylor and Gorter made two saves from