Philippe Clement reckons Aberdeen are indeed title challengers as the Rangers manager prepares his side for a midweek trip to Pittodrie.
Second-place Aberdeen maintained their six-point gap over the Ibrox side with a 1-0 win over Dundee United, a result that temporarily lifted them to the top of the table prior to Sunday’s fixtures.
After his own side’s 2-1 win over St Mirren, courtesy of a Vaclav Cerny winner, the Belgian soon turned his attention to the Dons.
“I think they have done exceptionally well,” said Clement of Jimmy Thelin’s side.
“If they keep this level all season then they will be in contention.
“But I’m focused on Rangers and raising our level month by month and making things better here with the squad.
“So I’m not busy with that, it’s still how many games to go until the end of the season, 29? So it’s still a long way to go.”
The manager also praised Cyriel Dessers for his hard work and for the assist that led to the winning goal.
The forward left that pitch rather abruptly after an eye injury midweek in their 4-0 Europa League win over FCSB but Clement said that was his way of showing his “big heart”.
He said: “I told you guys what happened on Thursday, and it’s Cyril with his big heart, and he showed his big heart also today, the way he came on
“So he loves this club, he wants to give everything to get results, and that he showed not only with the assist, but also when the ball went out, to make a fast throw and keep the tempo going on, higher than it was first half.
“So the striker is not only scoring the goals, he’s also giving assists and working hard, and that’s what he’s been doing”.