Premiership leaders Celtic host second-placed Aberdeen in a key game in the title race on Sunday, live on Sky Sports at 12 noon.
Ronny Deila’s men hold a three-point lead, and have a game in hand, but Derek McInnes’ team are unbeaten in 13 league matches since losing 2-1 to Celtic at Pittodrie in early November.
One man who knows what it’s like to play in these encounters is former Dons skipper Darren Young, who fondly remembers Christmas coming early, as well as a pair of golden boots ruining festivities on another occasion.
On December 22, 2001, Young was part of an Aberdeen side that got the better of Celtic on a historic day for the Pittodrie men as Martin O’Neill’s team suffered their only SPL defeat of 2001/02.
Young, now player/manager at Albion Rovers, said: “Our 2-0 win that evening equalled a record set by one of Sir Alex Ferguson’s sides of nine home wins in a row so it was a great result.
“We were under Ebbe Skovdahl at the time and I remember my brother Derek having a chance in the first half in front of the Richard Donald Stand but the ball was blocked. John Hartson gave away the penalty in the second half that kicked everything off when Robbie Winters scored it.
“Derek Whyte was sent off when it was 1-0 and then Darren Mackie scored right at the end when Rab Douglas kicked the ball off him.
“That game had everything. It was just before Christmas so there was a great atmosphere around, we were at home to the side at the top of the table, the champions, live on TV at a packed Pittodrie. Everything added up to a real feel-good factor.
“However, we lost our next game away to Dunfermline and then lost 3-0 in our next home game against Livingston. That result certainly ended our great run.”
Another Pittodrie festive fixture that involved Young against Celtic came on Boxing Day in 1996 and it was Paolo Di Canio who grabbed the headlines in a 2-1 away win.
Young said: “I remember losing that game to him and his gold boots. He got in behind big Brian Irvine and took the ball out of the sky in one move and then flicked it over Nicky Walker.
“We could have gone above Celtic and into second in the league then so it was a disappointing night. Big Roy Aitken was the manager and he was really upset afterwards. He said that no player wearing gold boots would have been allowed to get by him and score when he was playing!
“Aberdeen v Celtic games are always big matches and this season they are the biggest rivals for the title. These are the games players want to play in and I hope Aberdeen do well as I still have a soft spot for them.
“There are still one or two guys about at Pittodrie that I know so I am pleased to see them doing so well. Derek McInnes has got everyone there working well. They have enjoyed a good season and they have a chance at Celtic Park to take something up the road with them.”
Craig Stewart
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