Celtic loanee Liam Scales has joked his strike against Rangers was deliberate after he netted during Aberdeen's victory over the Ibrox side.

The Irishman, who has played 35 times for the Dons this season, played a crucial role as Barry Robson's men ran out 2-0 winners at Pittodrie.

Scales scored the opener after intercepting the ball from Alfredo Morelos and firing in a shot from distance to beat Allan McGregor.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "I went to press the ball, looked up, saw the goalkeeper off his line and went for it!

"It was brilliant. We have been on a good run so we knew we had a chance, but to win and keep another clean sheet was brilliant.

"The atmosphere was amazing, and that is the best I have felt playing here at Pittodrie. 

"We always know the games again are difficult to get points from, but that was a big chance for us to prove a point, and I think we did that."

READ MORE: Inside Celtic's fairytale centenary season league title win

Meanwhile, Motherwell striker Kevin van Veen has praised Celtic, claiming the Hoops are "miles ahead" of everyone else in Scotland.

The Dutchman scored in the 1-1 draw at Parkhead as Ange Postecoglou's side failed to win at home for the first time this season.

And after the match, the 29-year-old had nothing but good things to say about the Scottish champions.

Speaking to the Daily Record, he said: "Celtic are miles ahead of everybody, for me. 

"To go to their stadium and get a point, it feels like a victory. You need to be respectful – but you need to have a pair of balls. 

"You have to come here and not be scared, because if you get scared they will roll you over.

"Kyogo is the best striker in the league. He’s the man with the most brains for me, he’s clever. 

"Of course I’m trying to put pressure on but all due respect to Kyogo, he’s amazing, but I need to look after myself as well."

Celtic Way:

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