Aberdeen midfielder Dominic Ball insists the Dons can do what no other club has done in the Scottish Premiership this season and beat Celtic at Parkhead on Sunday.
The Dons know only victory at the champions’ Parkhead fortress will ensure they finish runners-up in the Premiership on the final day of the campaign but Ball believes his Reds team-mates can take positives from their strong finish to the campaign, including their 1-1 draw with Rangers at Pittodrie on Tuesday, into the trip to Glasgow.
He said: “We are a little bit disappointed not to beat Rangers considering how well we played in the first half and it will now go to Celtic on the last day of the season on Sunday but if we can play at the level we did in the first half against Rangers for the full 90 minutes we have a very good chance of winning.
“Celtic may be more interested in the title party than the game but we’re only focused on ourselves and going there and doing the job.
“We have to go to Celtic and do what we haven’t done this season and get something but, given the run we are on and how we are playing, we have a very good chance.”
Should Aberdeen fail to beat Brendan Rodgers’ Hoops their thoughts will turn to events at Easter Road between Hibernian and Rangers.
Ball, however, believes focusing on the game against the Hoops rather than the outcome at Easter Road should be the priority.
He said: “There are a lot different variables but we’re going to Celtic to win the game and what happens in the other game is not something we can control.
“The top four in Scotland are very good clubs. The standard this year compared to when I played for Rangers is much better. The coaches and players are a good standard, too.
“Celtic are the standard-bearers but they’ve lost some games this season. Hearts beat them 4-0 and we will have to go to Glasgow and show the same attitude. The last four games have been cup finals for us as we’ve needed to get positive results in all of them and Sunday will be the biggest one yet.
“The manager has said this has been the toughest test so far and if we get second this year it will be amazing. I think Aberdeen are the second-best team in Scotland this season.”
Sunday will be Ball’s last appearance in his season-long loan from Rotherham United. He does not know what the future holds but has not ruled out returning to Pittodrie next term.
He said: “I’ve found a bit of form towards the end of the season which is nice but I’m gutted I didn’t show it earlier.
“I’ve been at five different clubs in the last four years but since settling here I’ve enjoyed my football a lot more.”