Not long ago, Stephen Robinson appeared to be a manager under pressure, but the Northern Irishman has steered his side to a four-game unbeaten run.

Meanwhile, visitors St Johnstone have only lost once in four.

The Dons are unbeaten in four meetings with the Perth side, but this is their first since March last year, and they only have to go back three games, to February 2024 for their last win at Pittodrie.

However, Simo Valakari's side have yet to win away from home this season in four games since defeating Lowland League side Linlithgow Rose at the start of the season.

We'll bring you reaction from Fir Park as we turn our attention to the upcoming kick-off at Pittodrie between Aberdeen and St Johnstone.

Chris Sutton
Former Celtic striker on Sky Sports

I think Martin O'Neill will be really satisfied. A clean sheet and a 2-0 win that could have been far more.

Celtic have come here, banished the three defeats and it's great to see Jota back.

Celtic ease to a victory that ends a three-game run of defeats that piled pressure on manager Martin O'Neill and they are back on top of the Premiership.

Order is resumed.

Motherwell were never at the races and it is now four defeats in a row for the hosts.

Image source, SNS

St Johnstone manager Simo Valakari tells BBC Scotland: "This break was on the calendar from the start of the season, so we've not dwelled on it. We've tried to use the time as wisely as possible, but only the game will tell.

"We've already had a three-week break because of the League Cup and a free weekend. It has felt a bit stop-start, but there's no excuses. You need to be ready.

"Zach Mitchell had a big injury. Cheick Diabate is suspended. Taylor Steven and Joel Cotterill have come back late. Five changes feels a lot, but it's also where we are.

"We have a strong bench, we can make changes if needed."

Image source, SNS

Aberdeen head coach Stephen Robinson tells BBC Scotland: "The break's been good. We'd just picked up some momentum, had come through a tough period with three good results.

"Now we have to cement that at home and we have a real opportunity as four of our next five are at home.

"The [League Cup] semi-final is a long way off in my mind, but we have to make sure we go into it in good form, winning league games. That starts here today.

"It's a huge club, especially the fanbase. There's been ups and downs in the last five years. The support is incredible and it means a lot to the players."

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Jota sends in a cross that finds the head of Oliver Sorensen, but the sub midfielder's header is turned over the crossbar by goalkeeper Alex Poulsen as we enter three minutes of stoppage time.

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland at Fir Park

Jota looks to be enjoying himself out there. Plenty of his old tricks and skills are on show as he looks to get his career back on track after his lengthy injury lay off. His return surely a boost for Celtic and with so many games coming up.

St Johnstone manager Simo Valakari is left short of centre-backs as Zach Mitchell picked up a season-ending knee injury before the break, while Chieck Diabate is suspended.

As a result, Matthew Foulds and Danny Finlayson come into the side. There's also places for Matty Todd, Sam Stanton and Ruari Paton in the starting XI.

Croatian centre-back Bozo Mikulic is on the bench and could make a return from his eight-month injury lay-off.

Taylor Steven, Josh Campbell and Joel Cotterill are also named among the subs.

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Having just replaced Kieran Tierney after his fellow full-back's yellow card, Jordan Lotomba is booked himself after some slack play.

However, Well can't make anything of the free-kick just outside the penalty box.

Tawanda Maswanhise makes a late appearance for Well, coming on along with Jake Girdwood-Reich as they come on for Alex Lowry and Stephen O'Donnell.

John Collins
Former Celtic midfielder on BBC Sportsound

That has to be a third goal. It was a great opportunity for Mheuka to get his first Celtic goal, but he just dwelled on it. He'll be disappointed.

Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney is in the book for a foul on Ibrahim Said.

That's the Scotland defender's last action as he is replaced with Jordan Lotomba.

Motherwell make another mess in defence.

Shumaira Mheuka intercepts a crossfield pass and the young on-loan Chelsea striker is through on goal, but goalkeeper Alex Poulsen saves at his feet.

Brad Lyons makes a first Premiership appearance since the first weekend of the season, as he returns in Aberdeen's midfield.

The Northern Irishman is one of two changes, coming in for Afeez Aremu, with Ayoub Mouloua replacing Toyosi Olusanya in the front line.

Winger Hicham Mayou is on the bench for the second time, still looking to make his debut for Stephen Robinson's men.

There is no Emmanuel Gyamfi in the squad.

Image source, SNS

Haissem Hassan is also close to make a quick impact.

The winger fires across the face of goal and just wide.

John Collins
Former Celtic midfielder on BBC Sportsound

They love him. He's got a real connection with the fans. I really hope he doesn't get any more injuries after being out for such a long time.

Jota makes his appearance to rapturous applause from the visiting fans.

Haissem Hassan and Shumaira Mheuka are also on, with Tounekti, Hogh and Duran making way.

Jota almost makes an immediate impact, the winger's low cross being cleared before it finds Hassan.

Double change for Well.

Eythor Bjorgolfsson replaces Seb Palmer-Houlden, while Jardell Kanga is on for Dylan Levitt.

The subs immediately combine and Kanga's cross is volleyed over by the striker.

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland at Fir Park

Looks like Jota is coming on for Celtic shortly. Should be some welcome from the Celtic fans.