Craig Brewster scored from close range to give Aberdeen a 25th-minute lead, but after Shunsuke Nakamura hit the bar with a free-kick, Celtic drew level through a fine strike from Massimo Donati.

Miller then made his presence felt with a close-range finish – after which Celtic manager Gordon Strachan was sent from the technical area for arguing with a fan and an official – before Miller pounced again in injury time, with terrific 30-yard shot.

In the 76th minute, McGeady pushed a pass into the path of Wilson and the right-back tried to catch out Soutar at his near post with a rising shot which was well dealt with by the Aberdeen keeper.

These were nervous times for the home side, but Aberdeen retained a menace in attack and Mackie should have done far better when he headed wide from 10 yards out upon connecting with substitute Richard Foster’s cross.

With only five minutes remaining it became apparent just how costly that miss was, when Celtic substitute Kenny Miller, who had earlier replaced McDonald, put Celtic into the lead.

Wilson’s low cross found Nakamura on the far side of the penalty area, who in turn shifted a pass to Donati.

The Italian immediately sent the ball into the path of Miller and the Scotland international confidently shot low past Soutar.

There was mayhem after the goal though, when Strachan was sent from his technical area by referee Richmond after clashing with an official and a fan in the Main Stand at Pittodrie.

But the game ended on a high note for Celtic, when Miller curled a delightful 30-yard shot past Soutar to ensure the Parkhead club left Aberdeen with all three points.