Aberdeen defender Shay Logan is relishing the chance to test himself against both halves of the Old Firm next season.
The Englishman, who signed a two-year extension to stay at Pittodrie before the end of the campaign, believes the return of Rangers will make Scottish football stronger.
However, he is adamant the presence of Mark Warburton’s side will not come at the expense of his club.
In Rangers’ absence the Dons have established themselves as Celtic’s Premiership challengers and Logan is in no mood to relinquish the role next season.
Logan said: “Rangers have come up from the Championship and the rivalry they have with Aberdeen and Celtic will make it a strong league, but I’m not someone who shies away from a challenge.
“I want to be playing against the best and if our league is going to be stronger and tougher then that can only be good for me.
“It was a tough season for us, but one where we felt we could have pushed Celtic more towards the end of the season. That will drive us on next season.
“Hopefully my staying here is a positive sign for the club and we can push on next season and challenge again in the league and reach cup finals.
“We could have been right up there and we know we cannot slip away next season.
“We were maybe one or two players short in the end and I’m sure the manager will strengthen the team and help us push them a little bit closer.”
Logan is enjoying his summer break but he is happy to return early on June 14 for pre-season training as the Dons embark on their Europa League campaign in a row on June 30.
He said: “We’re back early, but it’s for European football and we want to get a good draw and progress further than we did last year.
“We’d all like longer off but I’ve got friends who work in factories who only have 23 days a year off. I work from 10am to 1pm most days, I get some time off during the season and we’ll have a winter break next season so I can’t complain.
“I’d happily lose some holiday time to go to places such as Croatia, Kazakhstan and Macedonia again.”
