Gordon Strachan's side clinched a hat-trick of championships thanks to a 1-0 victory against Dundee United at Tannadice, while rivals and long-time favourites Rangers were beaten 2-0 at Aberdeen.

The Old Firm rivals had been level on points at the start of the evening, with Celtic holding the goal difference advantage.

Each match was goalless at half-time, however Aberdeen took the lead through Lee Miller against Rangers after 63 minutes to give the first indication of where the trophy was destined.

Striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink then headed Celtic ahead after 72 minutes at Tannadice to leave little doubt, and Aberdeen's second goal at Pittodrie from Darren Mackie after 77 minutes ended Rangers' hopes.

Rangers substitute Nacho Novo was sent off for a two-footed lunge on Aberdeen'sStuart Duff as Walter Smith's team saw their hopes of a domestic treble shattered.

In Thursday's other match, teenager Jamie Murphy scored his first goal for Motherwell as they rounded off their season with a 2-0 victory over Hibernian.

Murphy converted a penalty just after coming on at half-time to add to Simon Lappin's early free-kick for the visitors.