Sunday 3 May 2015 11:49, UK
Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes congratulated Celtic on winning another Scottish Premiership title but hopes the Dons can challenge them closely again next season.
Ronny Deila's men were crowned champions without kicking a ball on Saturday as Aberdeen, the only side that could mathematically catch them, were beaten 1-0 at Dundee United.
McInnes was hopeful his side could prolong the title race by another week at least with victory over United, whose neighbours Dundee were routed 5-0 by Celtic on Friday night.
It was not to be though, and McInnes admitted the Hoops were worthy champions, while adding that the January signings of then Terrors pair Gary Mackay-Steven and Stuart Armstrong bolstered their title hopes.
McIness said: "We always felt Celtic would win the league and all we could do was determine when they won it. We wanted to win today for ourselves and then again next week. That was our objective, but that hasn't happened and they're worthy champions.
"From their point of view spending a couple of million quid in January certainly helped them. Bringing the two boys in certainly gave them something. We congratulate them and they were always going to win it if they showed their true potential."
Aberdeen take on Celtic next Sunday in what is now a dead rubber and while McInnes insists he will not allow his side to rest on their laurels, he is already focusing on challenging them next season.
"Next weekend will be about Celtic, they've won the league and deserve to celebrate it," he added. "But regardless of circumstances, we'll be on the pitch to win like all Aberdeen teams are.
"The challenge is to get closer to Celtic next year. That's for everyone, not just us, but certainly from our point of view we want to keep improving.
"We are 10 points better off than we were last season but even then we always knew Celtic would have to have a poor season.
"But we don't accept it, we will roll our sleeves up and give a bit more next season. The head-to-head games have made a difference because last season we beat them but dropped points elsewhere.
"This season it has been the other way around. We need to put the two of them together. We have every reason to feel confident."
Dundee United manager Jackie McNamara had praise for his players after seeing them down the Dons at Tannadice.
Robbie Muirhead's 13th-minute strike proved the difference between the teams and McNamara said: "It's a great three points. Overall we had to work very hard for it.
"It was a great ball from John Souttar for the goal and he seems to be growing into that position. His passing and awareness are fantastic, and so too is his other side of the game, doing the dirty stuff.
"Robbie Muirhead, too, can only get betters so the future is bright. It was a great goal and he did well too against Celtic last week. So the signs are positive for the future."
