Aberdeen will mean business next season

Aberdeen chased Celtic to within three games of the title this season but Derek McInnes believes the Dons can push them even further next term.

Victory in their last three games starting today against Ronny Deila’s Premiership winners would see the Dons finish on an astonishing 83 points.

That’s a total that would have won them the SPL two seasons ago. And while Reds gaffer McInnes accepts the Hoops are likely to strengthen over the summer, he’s determined to ensure his side’s challenge is no one-off.

“We are still capable of picking up 83 points which in the past has won League titles,” said McInnes.

“So that shows the consistency we’ve managed to get this season, and there’s no disgrace finishing second to a team like Celtic.

“With the resources and winning mentality they have, it was always going to be difficult.

“Will they be stronger next season? Possibly. They could lose one or two players, too, but the manager has come from a different environment and has learned very fast.

“He’s done really well, and the way we have to look at it is that we have to improve next season if we’re going to get closer to Celtic.

“They have massive resources, so they can go out and get top quality players.

“I believe I have a good squad, and that we’re capable of fighting. I think we can improve and get closer to them.”

The Dons’ relationship with Celtic this season has been far from cordial.

Three defeats in the League effectively killed off Aberdeen’s title hopes. Then the Bhoys’ Scottish Cup semi-final loss to Inverness crushed the Reds’ hopes of a later start in Europe.

“We would have liked to be going into Europe a few weeks later,” admitted McInnes. “But for that to happen we would have needed Celtic to win the Cup.

“So the one time I wanted Celtic to win a game, they didn’t!

“The early start isn’t ideal, and that has been a problem for Scottish clubs for a long time. But you want to get a decent draw, get through the first couple of rounds and build confidence from that.

“Physically, tactically and mentally, I believe our players here are more than capable of playing in Europe.”