By Julian Taylor

Gravesen was celebrating with Vennegoor of Hesselink

Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink produced a late strike to keep Celtic top of the SPL with a deserved win at Pittodrie.

Dons debutant Lee Miller had earlier cleared from in front of his own goal to deny the Netherlands striker.

Vennegoor of Hesselink fired past Jamie Langfield after being set up by Kenny Miller in the 79th minute.

Aberdeen had rarely threatened but came close to an equaliser when Russell Anderson's header came off the crossbar before Celtic scrambled the ball clear.

The result maintains the Glasgow side's good record on their visits to the Granite City as Vennegoor of Hesselink scored his second goal in successive outings.

Aberdeen boss Jimmy Calderwood had made three changes.

New signing from Dundee United Miller made his debut, while Gary Dempsey and Michael Hart came in for John Stewart, Dyron Daal and Karim Touzani respectively.

Thomas Gravesen made his first start for Celtic since his �2m move from Real Madrid.

Vennegoor of Hesselink made his first start, replacing Miller, who dropped to the bench along with goalkeeper David Marshall, who was making way for fit-again Artur Boruc.

Jimmy Calderwood's side carved out the first real chance after 10 minutes, when Chris Clark directed a header across the visitors' goalmouth, but Ricky Foster just failed to make contact.

Aiden McGeady responded immediately with a flighted shot that went just past Langfield's post.

Dons captain Anderson made a timely interception, stopping Graveson in the danger area just as the Dane was about to shoot.

Miller had to spring into defensive action, clearing a Vennegoor of Hesselink looping header near the goal line, as Celtic's pressure took its toll on the Dons defence.

Celtic had a strong penalty claim turned down just before the break when Vennegoor of Hesselink was brought down by Diamond, but referee Mike McCurry waved aside the protests.

The second half began in much the same fashion, with the busy Vennegoor of Hesselink screwing a shot across goal.

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan elected to replace the ineffective Maciej Zurawski with Miller.

Gravesen received a yellow card for elbowing Clark before he tested Langfield with a fierce angled drive.

Eventually, Celtic's persistence paid dividends.

Miller played the ball into the path Vennegoor of Hesselink and, from 20 yards, the former PSV Eindhoven forward cracked a right foot shot past Langfield, who was rather slow to react.

Aberdeen nearly stunned Celtic with a shock equaliser when Anderson headed against the crossbar, before Stephen McManus managed to scramble the ball clear after the ball appeared to strike his hand.

However, the Hoops hung on to resist a late Reds surge to grab the points.

Aberdeen: Langfield, Hart (Daal 84), Diamond, Anderson, Clark, Nicholson, Severin, Dempsey (Daniel Smith 62), Foster, Miller (Maguire 75), Mackie. Subs Not Used: Soutar, Winter, Considine, Donald.

Booked: Diamond, Daal.

Celtic: Boruc, Wilson, Caldwell, McManus, Naylor, Nakamura, Lennon, Gravesen, McGeady, Zurawski (Miller 57), Vennegoor of Hesselink (Pearson 90). Subs Not Used: Riordan, Sno, Jarosik, Marshall, Cuthbert.

Booked: McGeady, Gravesen, Naylor.

Goals: Vennegoor of Hesselink 79.

Att: 15,304

Ref: M McCurry