With Manchester City striker Ched Evans reportedly set to move to Parkhead and Dundee United's on-loan midfielder Willo Flood being linked with a move to the champions, McDonald and Vennegoor of Hesselink reminded the Hoops fans what they already have in the locker during Sunday's clash with Hibernian.

The little and large duo took another step towards rekindling the partnership which produced over 50 goals last season as they helped the Clydesdale Bank Premier League leaders increase the gap over chasing Rangers to four points with a 3-1 win.

Vennegoor of Hesselink is slowly returning to full fitness following a two-month lay-off with a torn adductor muscle picked up during the home win over Hamilton in October.

However, from Shunsuke Nakamura's corner in the third minute, he towered above the Hibees defence to send in a powerful header which Easter Road keeper Grzegorz Szamotulski could only parry out to the waiting McDonald who swept in the opener.

Celtic doubled its lead in the ninth minute when the big Dutchman again rose to reach a Nakamura corner, this time skipper Stephen McManus slamming in the loose ball from close range.

Although Hibs skipper Rob Jones pulled a goal back for the visitors before the break, McDonald grabbed his second near the end to take his tally to 11 for the season.

The former Motherwell striker acknowledged the part Vennegoor of Hesselink played in the victory.

"It has been great having the big man back," McDonald said.

"You seen how well he did at the first goal, he headed it and I did what I'm paid to do, be around the six-yard box."

"That was a nice start for us."

"Having Jan back puts a lot of pressure not just on Georgios Samaras, but also on myself."

"There is also talk of another striker coming in but competition for places is quite healthy."

"You always have to be on your toes and that has been proven in the last couple of weeks since Jan has returned to training."

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan, who was delighted with the form of midfielder Aiden McGeady and Scott Brown, was also happy to see Vennegoor of Hesselink back in the side and contributing again in the quest for the fourth SPL title in succession.

"Aiden was outstanding and I thought Brown was outstanding as well," Strachan said.

"They took their performance from last week at Aberdeen in to this week."

"But I think the players like it when they go on to the pitch and Jan is there."