Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes believes Celtic’s recent transfer activity highlights the gulf in finances between Scotland’s top two sides – but remains hopeful he can make a key January signing to keep pace with the league leaders.
The Hoops strengthened their squad earlier this week by completing a £2million deal for Danish international Erik Sviatchenko and manager Ronny Deila is keen to bring more new recruits to Parkhead before the transfer window shuts on February 1.
McInnes, having already snapped up goalkeeper Adam Collin on loan from Rotherham United, is desperate to land a central midfielder this month but accepts his side can’t come close to matching the Hoops’ resources.
Paul Quinn, linked heavily with a return to Ross County, may have to make way to give McInnes the necessary funds to make another signing.
But the Aberdeen manager feels making a key signing can give the Dons the fresh impetus required to sustain a challenge with Celtic for the championship.
He said: “We try to strengthen when we can.
“There are two windows and two opportunities to do it.
“We put together a squad in the summer that would stand us well in the campaign and that hasn’t changed.
“At times, you can see the benefit of bringing in a player who could help you in January.
“Look at the Championship, you see Rangers and Hibs trying to strengthen because they see the importance of trying to get over the line and to get them that promotion that brings success.
“You saw Celtic during the week, they brought in a player which shows again the gulf between them and the rest.
“The fee and the boys wages would equate to my full footballing budget so that shows the gulf of what we are trying to do.
“Teams who want to have success see the importance of bringing players in in both windows.
“We should never shy away from that as a club.”
“It is important we look and see what is there.
“The opportunity was there last week with Adam Collin but anything we need to bring in we would need to make money available for that.”
The Dons can close the gap on Celtic to three points by beating Dundee at Pittodrie this evening.
A win or a draw would extend the club’s unbeaten run to 10 league matches but McInnes is not underestimating a Dundee side that defeated Partick Thistle 4-2 last weekend.
He added: “They have match winners and players who can create goals. Kane Hemmings, Greg Stewart and Gary Harkins carry that constant threat.
“The two games we have won against them this season have been down to strong performances and we will need that again.”