Aberdeen midfielder Kenny McLean has told Rangers they will have to produce something special to catch his side in the race for second place.
Shay Logan and Jonny Hayes got the goals for the Dons as they beat Hearts 2-0 in a one-sided encounter at Pittodrie on Saturday.
It was the ninth home win in a row for the Dons but the victory was soured by substitute Jayden Stockley’s dismissal in the last minute for lashing out at Hearts defender Krystian Nowak.
The result keeps the Dons in a commanding position in the Premiership and McLean believes it will be hard for the Gers to catch his side.
He said: “We’re in a good position and we’ve got a lead on Rangers. It’s not done by any means but if Rangers think they can catch us then good luck to them.
“We’ll have something to say about that as we’re not planning on stopping anytime soon and if they think they can take second then they’ll have to work hard for it.”
The Dons also have designs on ending the campaign by winning the Scottish Cup for the first time in 27 years and McLean, who impressed on his 100th appearance for the club, is eager to maintain the Reds his side have after the international break.
He said: “There is a lot of football to be played between now and the end of the season. We’re taking it one game at a time but it could be a great end to the season for everyone.
“We’re looking for silverware to make it a great season but right now the focus is on the league. ”
McLean will enjoy a break during the international action this week after missing out on selection for Gordon Strachan’s squad but the midfielder insists he will work harder to try to catch the Scotland manager’s eye for the next squad.
He said: “It was slightly disappointing but when you look at the quality in the squad it’s excellent. I’ll push myself again when the next squad comes around but right now I’ll enjoy my break.
“I can only do as much as I can and when I look at the squad there I’ll have to work harder. I just need to keep doing what I’m doing at Aberdeen and maybe the chance will come again.
“We have been consistent but there are players from other clubs who are not there. There’s a lot of quality in the country.”
