Soccer-Celtic thrash Aberdeen 5-1

By Kenny MacDonald

GLASGOW, Feb 10 (Reuters) - Scott McDonald hit a double as Celtic thrashed Aberdeen 5-1 in the Scottish Premier League (SPL) on Sunday.

Celtic coasted to a 3-0 interval lead and dominated throughout their emphatic victory. They now have 52 points from 23 games in second place while Rangers top the SPL standings on 56 from 23 following Saturday's 2-0 home win over Falkirk.

Manager Gordon Strachan told BBC radio: "Away from home, it probably is our best performance of the season. I am very pleased -- the attitude was first class."

Japanese midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura swept home an easy opener from four metres on the right in 17 minutes following a fabulous run down the left and devastating low cross from Aiden McGeady.

Irishman McGeady made it 2-0 in 33 minutes with a low, curling shot from 25 metres on the right into the bottom left. Australian striker McDonald slotted home a penalty 10 minutes later.

Three minutes into the second period, McDonald headed in Celtic's fourth from a few metres before Aberdeen pulled back a goal when Lee Miller rifled in a shot off the bar from 12 metres in 62 minutes.

Substitute Barry Robson scored with his first touch of the ball for Celtic after signing from Dundee United by blasting a 20-metre freekick past keeper Jamie Langfield in 73 minutes. (Editing by Clare Fallon)