Former Aberdeen manager Jimmy Calderwood believes Derek McInnes deserves credit for pushing the Dons so close to Celtic this season.
Friday’s 2-1 defeat at Hearts looks to have ended hopes of a first Aberdeen title since 1985, with the Hoops eight points clear at the top with five matches remaining.
Celtic could clinch the title when they face the Dons at Parkhead on May 8 if both teams win their first two post-split matches.
However, Calderwood, who was in charge of the Dons from 2004-09, believes the Dons should be praised for still being in with a shout of the title at this stage of the season.
He said: “The title is not in their own hands and I think it would have been better if they had got Celtic in the first game after the split.
“That would have given the chance to do something about it, win the match and put the pressure back on Celtic.
“The fact that it is the third game, it may be too late by then.
“If Celtic win their next two games then the title may already be over by the time Aberdeen go to Celtic Park.
“But, regardless, Aberdeen have been great this season and Derek has done a brilliant job.
“It is a great club and, with the attacking players they have, I find them a very exciting team to watch.
“However the teams are placed when the match comes around, the Celtic game will be a fantastic one.
“I am sure Derek, the team and the supporters will be looking forward to it.”
The top flight split has endured its share of criticism since being introduced in the 2000-01 season.
Ross County are the side who may feel most unfortunate after the post-split fixtures were announced on Tuesday after being dealt a third away match against leaders Celtic.
But Calderwood believes the end-of-season split has become a welcome part of Scottish football.
He added: “I think it is great and only adds to the excitement.
“We were lucky as during my time at Aberdeen we were always in the top six.
“It was great from our point of view and it always meant there was exciting games for the crowds.
“We obviously had Rangers and Hibernian in the top six who would take a big support to Pittodrie.
“They were big games and you were fighting to get into Europe against some strong teams.
“I always found it very exciting.”
