Celtic have extended their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership after Ronny Deila's team beat nearest rivals Aberdeen 3-1 at Parkhead.

After Leigh Griffiths curled an early effort wide, Adam Rooney twice threatened for the visitors, only to blaze both efforts over the crossbar from inside the area.

Griffiths went even closer as he found himself with only Danny Ward to beat from close range, but the Liverpool loanee managed to deflect the forward's strike past the post.

Aberdeen then nearly took a shock lead as John Hayes whipped in a menacing ball, which was headed inches wide of Craig Gordon's goal by Rooney.

Instead it was the Hoops who edged in front on the stroke of half time as Kieran Tierney's cross was nodded home by Griffiths.

Within minutes of the restart, Celtic were awarded a penalty when Ash Taylor brought down Kris Commons.

Griffiths, who did not boast a perfect record from the spot coming into this game, stepped up to send his penalty below the despairing dive of Ward.

On the hour mark, Celtic wrapped up victory as James Forrest latched onto Tomas Rogic's pass before steering his effort into the bottom-right corner of the net.

Far from settle on their lead, the champions came close to adding a fourth as both Commons and Griffiths were denied by Ward.

Aberdeen pulled a goal back in the 89th minute through Rooney, but it proved scant consolation for the Dons who could be overtaken by Hearts, if the Jambos win later today.