Celtic boss Gordon Strachan singled out Scott McDonald as the league leader's saviour after the Australian strikers double saw them come from behind to see off Aberdeen 3-1.

Dons front-man Chris Maguire gave Aberdeen a shock first half lead but it didn't last long with Andy Considine's own goal on the stroke of half-time paving the way for McDonald's show.

The 25-year-old grabbed his first in the 70th minute before doubling his tally in injury time with a low drive following Shunsuke Nakamura's neat through ball.

And Strachan admitted McDonald's patience after the interval was pivotal to Celtic staying ahead of Rangers at the top.

"Scott's performance was as good a striking performance as you will ever see," said Strachan.

"The first half when we weren't playing well he held the ball up, he came short and made chances.

"And in the second half when we got to the bouncing ball we played some good football and he was a constant threat.

"The longer the game went on his fitness levels never dwindled and that showed with two goals."