Celtic 3 Aberdeen 0:GEORGIOS SAMARAS'S double helped Celtic return to the top of the table in some style with an emphatic win over 10-man Aberdeen at Parkhead.

Celtic striker Scott McDonald gave the home side a first-half lead but the second period belonged to the Greece international.

After Samaras opened his account six minutes after the break, Aberdeen defender Jerel Ifil was sent off by referee Mike Tumilty, at the behest of his assistant James Bee, after appearing to kick out at the former Manchester City player as they clashed on the touchline.

That was a cue for a Celtic onslaught and the visitors would have been glad with the loss of only one more Samaras goal.

The win sent the Parkhead side two points clear of Old Firm rivals Rangers, who won 3-1 at Falkirk earlier in the day, although the Ibrox side have a game in hand.

But on this form – three home wins in eight days – Tony Mowbray’s side look to have the edge as the new year looms ahead.

Artur Boruc returned to the Celtic goal for his first appearance since a Europa League game against Hamburg in October after recovering from a knee injury. But the Poland international was a virtual spectator in a one-side affair.

When the game ended at 3-0 the overwhelming feeling was that Mark McGhee’s side had got off lightly. Mowbray tried not to get too excited about a comprehensive scoreline which could have been doubled at least had it not been for the woodwork and Pittodrie goalkeeper Jamie Langfield.

“You are never totally satisfied as a coach,” the former Hibernian and West Brom boss said after.

CELTIC: Boruc, Hinkel, Caldwell, Loovens, Daniel Fox, Robson, Crosas, N’Guemo, McGeady (McGinn 79), McDonald (Fortune 68), Samaras (Zhi 79). Subs not used: Zaluska, McManus, Carey, Caddis.

ABERDEEN: Langfield, Maurice Ross, Ifil, Considine, Foster, Pawlett, McDonald, Young (Fyvie 54), Mulgrew, Miller, Paton (Maguire 61), Fyvie (Grassi 90). Subs not used: Nelson, Mackie, Wright, Duff. Booked: Mulgrew, Young, Foster.

Referee: M Tumilty (Scotland).