CELTIC now see the Dons as a serious threat to their title crown, according to Hoops forward Anthony Stokes.

Aberdeen closed the gap on the Scottish champions to three points on Friday, with a 2-1 win over Motherwell at Pittodrie.

The Parkhead club looked to have ended any talk of a challenge for Premiership trophy when they beat Derek McInnes’ side 4-0 at home earlier this month.

However, just three days later Celtic slumped to a 1-0 defeat to St Johnstone in Glasgow.

And with the Dons refusing to give up, Stokes insists the pressure is now on, going into the last 11 games.

When asked if the Hoops see Aberdeen as a serious threat to their hopes of four-in-a-row, the Irishman said: “They are only three points behind us, so yeah.

“They have had an outstanding season, but we just have to focus on ourselves and what we have to do to win the league.

“We go out to win every game and we will see where that takes us.”

While Celtic were playing glamour games in the Europa League against Inter Milan and lifting the League Cup on Sunday, the Dons have been going about their business efficiently.

The Reds have now won 12, drawn two and lost just one of their last 15 league games.

Stokes recognises that the Pittodrie club are no longer just a run-of-the-mill Premiership side.

And the 26-year-old praised Aberdeen for the way they propelled themselves into a top side.

He said: “All credit to Aberdeen.

“I think they are a very good team. Out of all the other teams in the league they have serious pace in their team with the likes of Jonny Hayes and Niall McGinn.

“They are a real threat going forward and other teams have found that out this season.

“They have sustained the challenge and credit to them for that.

“But we are at the top of the league and we want to go on and win it it’s as simple as that.”

Celtic took the Dons’ crown as League Cup winners on Sunday, by beating 10-man Dundee United 2-0 in the final at Hampden.

Parkhead boss Ronny Deila has been very public about his ambition to win the treble this year.

And Stokes believes the Hoops are even more hungry for success after their weekend triumph.

He said: “It’s massive for the gaffer. It’s his first season here. And even for the squad, as players, you want to get that first trophy won.

“It breathes confidence into the team and we just want to finish the season strongly now.

“We are in a decent position in the league and have another big game coming up tomorrow which we are very much looking forward to.

“Of course it makes you want to go and win more trophies.

“I have been here for five years and I have never done it (the treble).

“This is probably the best chance we will get at it.”