Kenny Miller's The Hero!

Scottish Striker Scores Two Against The Dons

By Tony Quinn

On Sunday substitute Kenny Miller was the hero for Celtic, scoring two late goals as a strong second-half performance from the Hoops gave them a 3-1 victory in their match at Aberdeen. 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 official - before Miller pounced again in injury time, with a terrific 30-yard shot.

Strachan could be facing a lengthy ban after he was sent from the dug-out following a spat with a steward and he also is due to put his case against a four-game sentence this week imposed after he was ordered to the stand for alleged dissent during Hearts' victory at Parkhead in April. The Hoops boss was given a two-game touchline ban earlier last season - as the result of a clash with Hearts coach John McGlynn - which is why the punishment would be increased for the second offence. If he loses his appeal, he could potentially be hit with an additional six-match ban depending on what is contained in referee Charlie Richmond's report on Sunday's game, as his third offence in two seasons would carry an even greater punishment.

The incident flared shortly after Kenny Miller gave Celtic the lead. Celtic assistant manager Garry Pendrey made a gesture to the Main Stand crowd showing that Celtic were winning 2-1, which prompted a steward to claim that Pendrey had flashed an offensive 'V-sign'. It was then that Strachan became involved, protesting his assistant's innocence, before Richmond made the decision to remove the former Aberdeen midfielder from the pitch-side area. Strachan did not appear at the post-match press conference and declined to talk to TV and radio afterwards.

But an angry Tommy Burns gave his version of events. He said: "Someone came down with a steward's badge on, looking to bring a policeman into it and accusing Garry of sticking his two fingers up provocatively. Gordon knew that wasn't the case and that he [the steward] was telling a downright lie. Then for some strange reason he was sent to the stand, so it will be interesting to see the referee's report regarding what he was actually sent to the stand for.

"Unfortunately though, that is the world we live in, where people think they can turn up and scream the most horrible abuse at others who are a few feet away from them. You are not talking about neds here, but about middle-aged men screaming abuse in front of women and children. Then when people on the sidelines turn round and give them a wink or a wave, they want to go and report it to the police."

Celtic have revealed record annual pre-tax profits of $30 million. The club also confirmed the year-end bank debt, for the year ending June 30 2007, was reduced to $10 million, down from $18 million in 2006. Chairman Brian Quinn warned that there is no guarantee of such impressive financial results next year. "As I have remarked before, success in football is seldom marked by unbroken, continuous advances," Quinn noted. "The nature of modern competitive sport prevents that. Last year was a very good year for our club and for Celtic plc, and it will be a monumental challenge to surpass it next year. That does not, of course, mean that we will not be trying hard to do so."

Celtic supporters have again been praised for their behavior following Sunday's victory over Aberdeen. Speaking after the game, Celtic Chief Executive Peter Lawwell said: "Once again our supporters were a great credit to themselves and the club. We are delighted with the manner in which they backed the team and helped drive them on to victory. As ever our supporters have traveled to a game in large numbers, many from a long distance away, and the club would like to thank them for their efforts. It's been a great week for the club, with victories at Falkirk and Aberdeen and a tremendous performance and result in Russia against Spartak Moscow, and our fans should be proud of the part they have played." The SPL match observer at Pittodrie also reported that the authorities were entirely satisfied with the behavior and conduct of the Celtic supporters.

Peter Lawwell is optimistic that Shunsuke Nakamura will extend his stay at Parkhead - playing down transfer speculation. Lawwell dismissed summer speculation about the Japanese midfielder's future, which was fuelled by Italian lawyer Angelo Massoni's claim the Japanese midfielder had a £1million get-out clause. And the Celtic chief revealed the 29-year-old had refused to entertain any approaches.

Colchester have signed defender Adam Virgo on a six-month loan deal from Celtic. Virgo, 24, has been farmed out to the Championship outfit following an unsuccessful spell at Parkhead. He signed for £1.5million from Brighton in July 2005 but failed to hold down a first-team place under Gordon Strachan. He spent last season at Coventry on a season-long loan move.

Leicester are ready to step up their interest in Celtic forward Derek Riordan. The 24-year-old has admitted he would have to consider his position at Celtic if he could not cement a place in the starting line-up. Norwich, Sheffield Wednesday and Norwich have all been credited with an interest in the former Hibernian star, but Leicester are thought to be leading the race for the Scottish international's signature.

El-Hadji Diouf has revealed he wants to leave Bolton for a club with Champions League ambitions - but also insists the Trotters are over-valuing him at £10million. The Senegal international claimed Tottenham, Celtic and French champions Lyon have all made bids, as have two other clubs.