Benjamin Nygren’s 19th goal of the season sent Celtic into second place in the Scottish Premiership as the champions won at Aberdeen.

Nygren combined with fellow substitute James Forrest to put the visitors back in front midway through the second half with a deft finish. The Swede faced a lengthy wait for confirmation as the offside lines were drawn but Gavin Molloy’s outstretched foot was ultimately judged to have played the midfielder on.

Kieran Tierney had followed up his goal against Rangers on Sunday with an early opener but Kevin Nisbet soon levelled from the spot for Aberdeen, who were being watched by managerial candidate Sandro Schwarz.

Celtic held out to record a first win in three league games, which put them a point above Rangers and five behind leaders Hearts.

The former Mainz, Hertha Berlin, Dynamo Moscow and New York Red Bulls manager Schwarz was in the main stand at Pittodrie after emerging as a candidate in Aberdeen’s now two-month search for a replacement for the sacked Jimmy Thelin.

The Dons had gone five league games without a win and the interim manager Peter Leven made four changes with the captain Graeme Shinnie dropping to the bench. The...