Aberdeen midfielder Kenny McLean is relishing Sunday’s Premiership trip to champions Celtic as the Dons refuse to give up on the pursuit of the leaders.

McLean impressed in the 3-0 cruise against his former club St Mirren on Saturday.

Adam Rooney scored twice – his 22nd and 23rd goals of the season – before defender Mark Reynolds added a third in a ruthless display.

And midfielder McLean knows how important the trip to Parkhead is.

Celtic defeated Hamilton 4-0 at home yesterday to move three points clear of the Dons and McLean said: “It’s massive. Since I have came to the club everyone has been talking about this game, whether it’s the supporters or the press.

“None of the games going into this were going to be easy but we have handled ourselves very professionally and not looked too far ahead.

“Now Celtic is the next game and we will start preparing for it. Our confidence is up and we are playing well at the moment.

“We are scoring goals and defending well as a team. Can we beat them? I don’t see why not.

“We have got the quality in the squad to beat anyone.”

McLean has stepped up his level of performance in each of his three matches for the Dons and said: “I would say that was my best performance for Aberdeen so far. I knew it was going to take a bit of time to adapt coming here from St Mirren.

“I have settled in pretty quickly and have got up to speed with how we play. I am starting to click with a few of the players.

“There were a times when I should probably have found the back of the net but I am sure the goals will come.

“We’ve scored 10 goals in the last three games and kept clean sheets as well. It’s been great to be part of it and long may it continue.”

McLean has swapped a team struggling against relegation to one contending for the title and despite the criticism of the move by Buddies manager Gary Teale, who claimed the midfielder should have gone to English football, the player is content he made the right decision.

McLean added: “At St Mirren we were always going behind in games and it was a struggle.

“Aberdeen play good, expansive football, we create chances and score goals.

“Winning breeds confidence and playing with better players around me will also make me better.

“‘Everyone has opinions. But as soon I heard Aberdeen were interested, I came up and got it done right away. I was very happy to come here.

“That’s his opinion if he thinks it is the wrong move. I’m just going to keep working hard and see where that takes me.”

Aberdeen defender Ashton Taylor and midfielder Nicky Low will return to training this week and could be in contention for places in the squad for the Celtic match.