Caley Thistle manager John Hughes is a great admirer of Aberdeen’s Premiership title challenge, but believes champions Celtic will prove too strong.
The Dons take on Caley Jags in Inverness tonight, continuing to push Celtic all the way as they try to become the first non-Old Firm side to win the league since their own triumph in 1985.
Hughes admires Aberdeen’s achievements, but, despite Celtic’s recent inconsistency, he still thinks Ronny Deila’s Hoops will retain the title.
He said: “I hope it goes all the way to the wire – it’s great for Scottish football. It’s an inspiration to everyone else.
“I still think Celtic are the best team and I still think they’ll see it out.
“(Former Celtic defender) Tom Boyd was last week saying they should not panic too much as they’re still top of the league and still in the Scottish Cup and I agree with him.
“Celtic, on their day, are a wonderful football team. Like any team, they have ups and downs, but Celtic have got too much in their locker.
“That’s taking nothing away from Aberdeen, who are capable of winning every game from now until the end of the season.
“The ball is in their court – it’s up to them.
“They’ve dug in there and being out of the two cups gives them one focus. That focus is to just keep winning games in the league.”
After Caley Jags’ Scottish Cup victory against Motherwell last weekend, which took them to the quarter-finals of the competition they won last season, Inverness continue their push for a top-six spot in the Premiership tonight.
The man who got the winner in the Motherwell game, Jordan Roberts, has yet to start for the club, having struggled with a groin injury his arrival from Aldershot Town last summer.
But Hughes believes the 22-year-old has done his chances of a start no harm.
The manager said: “Jordan has had a horrific time at the club in terms of injury.
“For him to get the goal he did last week, hopefully that will inspire him to get himself in the team.
“It’s touch and go whether he’s going to play. Just because he scored a wonder goal doesn’t mean to say he will.
“If he keeps up what I’m seeing on the training pitch, in terms of his attitude and application, it will not be too long before he’s in the team.”