Dons won’t allow Celtic a title stroll next time

ABERDEEN boss Derek McInnes has called on his side to use the confidence gleaned from Saturday’s Scottish Cup victory at Parkhead to ensure Celtic face a tougher fight to retain the title in future seasons.

Neil Lennon’s champions-inwaiting have not lost a game in the league and sit 21 points ahead of the second-placed Dons — while a look at the history books shows the Pittodrie side have not picked up a single point at Parkhead in their last 17 visits.

McInnes knows nothing can be done to halt the Celtic juggernaut this season — but admits the table troubles him.

And while not tipping the Dons as title contenders, he hopes that ending Celtic’s long unbeaten domestic run — after beating St Johnstone 4-0 to reach the League Cup Final — can inspire his team to ensure the champions never streak as far ahead again.

‘Fair’s fair, Celtic are going to win the league,’ said McInnes (below). ‘Credit to them as their campaign has been really strong and they are well ahead of their points tally from last year.

‘ They have been very good, consistent and clinical in the league — but we don’t want to see that big a points difference again.

‘When I see the gap between ourselves, the rest of the league a nd Celtic , that’ s not something I’m comfortable with. We want to be as close as we can to them.

‘I’m sure I’m like every other manager in the Premiership.

‘ Credit has to go to Celtic and it puts the onus on us to improve.

‘ It i s something for our team and others to work towards but that is not a fight to be won this year.’

Aberdeen are on course f or their first domestic cup double since 1990, when the Dons finished second to Rangers under Alex Smith. And McInnes believes that his team’s success in both cups can only increase their appetite to do well in the league, too.

‘The two cup results can do nothing but good for us in terms of confidence and belief,’ he said.

‘My players should feel good about themselves and take confidence from the fact that they have beaten Celtic and St Johnstone.

‘To still be in both cups, we have had to overcome some real hurdles. Those experiences must serve us well.

‘We have to use those cup wins in a positive way that helps us with the challenges ahead.

‘They worked hard to get to this level and now that we are here, we have to maintain it.

‘We still have a bit to do in the Premiership as well to solidify our position. Now all the focus is on facing St Mirren on Saturday.’

Meanwhile, Willo Flood’s season is poised to go from good to great — with the Aberdeen midfielder in line for his first Republic of Ireland call-up.

The former Celtic and Dundee United midfielder has been in excellent form since his summer move to Pittodrie and was one of the stars of the show at Parkhead as goals from Russell Anderson and Peter Pawlett secured a place in the last eight.

Republic of Ireland No 2 Roy Keane was back at his former club to spy on Celtic striker Anthony Stokes, who scored the opening goal. But the Manchester United legend left hugely impressed by the all-action Flood as he and Barry Robson dominated the midfield.

And now Flood, 28, is being tipped to be named by Martin O’Neill in his squad for next month’s friendly against Serbia. Flood recently revealed he had not closed the door on his international ambitions, saying: ‘ You never give up hope — once you are playing well and enjoying your f ootball, you have a chance.

‘Playing for Ireland is something I have always wanted to do.’