Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes accepts Celtic are closing in on the Scottish Premiership title but insists his Dons can maintain the pressure on the Hoops over their final six matches of the season.
The Reds reduced Celtic’s lead at the top to five points with a hard-earned 2-1 victory against Kilmarnock on Sunday.
The Hoops have one game in hand and can enhance their cushion over the Dons when they host Killie tomorrow.
However, McInnes says his players will be relentless in their pursuit of points until the season’s end, starting with this weekend’s New Firm derby against Dundee United.
He said: “We know at the start of the season that you are not going to win every game but the aim is always to win.
“This Saturday, the aim will be to go and win against Dundee United and hopefully we can do that.
“There are 18 points available from now until the end of the season and we want to get as many as possible.
“If we can replicate what we have shown since the first game of the season then we will certainly be pleased with our work.”
The prospect of a first Aberdeen title since 1985 remains slim but the Red Army has not given up hope of Celtic surrendering points over the closing stretch.
However, manager McInnes is realistic about his side’s chances.
He said: “It would be unusual for Celtic to keep dropping points when they have never shown any sign of that.
“They are in the driving seat.
“We had a good weekend as we gained two points on both Inverness Caley Thistle and Celtic.
“It takes us a bit closer to where we want to be. To get to 68 points is great credit to the players.”
Adam Rooney, meanwhile, will be hoping to take a step nearer the 30-goal mark when United visit Pittodrie on Saturday.
The Irishman has netted 26 goals this term and Sunday’s strike against Kilmarnock means he has netted against every side in Scotland’s top flight.
McInnes says Rooney’s contribution this season has been immense.
He said: “Adam is big part of what we are as a team. We need his prowess and his predatory instincts. He is part of a good team and a good squad.
“His 26 goals are an excellent return.”