csconstantine.com

Mark Wilson was thrilled to net his first Celtic goal in five years at the club as his side ran out comfortable 3-0 winners over 10-man Aberdeen at Pittodrie.

The defender celebrated his call-up to the Scotland squad for next Wednesday's Carling Nations Cup clash with Northern Ireland by heading his side's second goal as they defeated the Dons for the third time in 11 days.

The former Dundee United player has endured a series of injuries throughout his career - most notably numerous knee operations and recent groin trouble.

But he has emerged as a key player in Celtic's recent good run of form, which has seen them consolidate top spot in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

Wilson, who netted in the 75th minute, said: "I'm delighted as it's my first goal in five years and with the Scotland call-up it is a pretty fortunate day.

"I don't think there will be many more goals for me like that one - especially headers.

"I will certainly take it and it was a good time of the game for us to get a goal as you don't want to be going into the last bit of the game just the one goal up.

"It is always pretty nervy so the second goal settled us."

Wilson partnered fellow full-back Charlie Mulgrew in a makeshift central defence amid injuries to Daniel Majstorovic, Thomas Rogne and Glenn Loovens along with Celtic's failure to land Stoke's Abdoulaye Faye or Nottingham Forest's Kelvin Wilson during the January transfer window.

So the 26-year-old was doubly pleased that the Hoops managed to keep another clean sheet, although Andrew Considine's second-minute red card did not help Aberdeen's cause.

Wilson said: "I know a lot of people would have been thinking that Charlie and myself is not the ideal partnership.

"In all honesty it isn't but the two of us are defenders first and foremost and, when the team needs you, you step in and do your best and that was what happened with the two of us.

"Efrain Juarez also came in at right-back, even though it isn't his natural position, and did well.

"There is no doubt the sending-off helped us as it took a lot of pressure off the back four but it is terrific to keep a clean sheet again and big Fraser Forster made some important saves."

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