Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has hailed Callum McGregor for inspiring his teammates with "bags of energy" after his skipper claimed an assist and winner against Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership.

McGregor set up Jota for the opener on Sunday and after Lewis Ferguson levelled from the spot, the Scotland midfielder diverted the ball home on the hour mark to earn Celtic a 2-1 win that keeps them on the heels of their eternal rivals Rangers.

Earlier, champions Rangers had won 3-1 at Livingston to ensure that they remain four points clear of Postecoglou's side.

There was more than a touch of fortune about Celtic's winner against the Dons but Postecoglou felt his team and McGregor had got their just rewards for the way they tackled the contest three days after a tough night in Germany.

Postecoglou knew his side would need to call on their energy reserves after the exertions of their 3-2 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen and he felt McGregor showed the way.

"He really drove the lads - just the energy, because that's what I spoke about before the game, that's what I emphasised," Postecoglou said.

"It's easy for me to say it but someone has got to go out there and lead from the front.

"I don't know where he gets it from, but he's got bags of energy and, when they see him running about, they can't help but be inspired to do the same thing.

"He leads by example. He's a man of action and words and he was outstanding.

"I'm really pleased, especially after Thursday night, the players put in a lot physically and emotionally."