David Robertson reckons Aberdeen will finish above Rangers again this season.

The Dons are six points ahead of the Gers and last season Derek McInnes’ team were comfortable in second place, finishing nine points clear of the Govan side.

Robertson can’t forsee the Reds being overtaken this term and believes Aberdeen need to be aiming to catch champions Celtic rather than looking over their shoulder at teams below them.

When asked if he thought the Dons would finish above Rangers, he said: “Definitely this season – maybe next season it will change slightly.

“Hearts have had a difficult time and now Craig Levein is back in, but they will take a bit of time to get back up the league. Hibs have come into the league and once their consistency comes back they will be better.

“Aberdeen can’t just rely on being second, they’ve got to create a big gap between the third and fourth-placed teams.

“Rangers will sort themselves out, although it seems to be taking a long time. “Aberdeen have to make sure they don’t just become happy with second – they have to make sure they are still there and challenging Celtic so that teams below them have a lot to catch up on.”

The former Aberdeen left-back also played for Rangers and he does not think Pedro Caixinha is the right man to be in charge at Ibrox.

He added: “I think it has been difficult for Caixinha. It was a bit of a gamble to bring him in, particularly the way they are.

“I thought they might have gone for Alex McLeish or McInnes, not that he would have left Aberdeen – but I thought they would have gone for someone who knows the league because it is a really important period for them.

“In my opinion, I don’t think he understands the way things are done and the level of the club.

“He’s got his own way and style, whether or not it’s suited to Scotland? I don’t know. “But in Scotland one false move and you’re criticised and I think he’s found it difficult.

“With Rangers and Celtic, it doesn’t matter what money or players they have, they’re expected to win every game. “I think that might be a bit of an issue.

“In some of his interviews he seems to be making excuses or trying to prove what he’s trying to do instead of just winning.

“You can say anything you want but if you don’t win games it doesn’t matter.”