Join thousands of fans who have signed up to our Celtic newsletter. Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

HISTORY is written by victors, which would explain why there is a 30-year gap when it comes to Ronny Deila’s knowledge of Aberdeen.

The Norwegian admitted he’s barely heard of a single Pittodrie boss since Alex Ferguson’s famous side were ripping it up at home and abroad.

Aberdeen have suffered a few grim times in the years that have passed since but have returned to the mix at the top of the table recently to emerge as Deila’s main threat to domestic dominance with Celtic.

The noises from the north suggest otherwise, mind you.

Getting Derek McInnes to admit his Aberdeen side fancy their chances of winning the Premiership has become the Holy Grail for sports writers.

It’s easier to get out of Pittodrie with Del’s back teeth.

But Deila reckons his rival should be shouting his intentions from the rooftops because he believes Aberdeen are big enough to mean business.

(Image: SNS Group)

The Celtic boss said: “Everybody remembers Alex Ferguson at Aberdeen. Why? Because he won. A lot of other managers have been at Aberdeen but I can’t name one of them.

“But I remember Sir Alex because of what he won at Aberdeen. That was a big, big thing. Aberdeen are a very big club. After Celtic and Rangers they are huge.

“They have 20,000 people watching them, they are a big, big club. So I can’t see why they shouldn’t go for trophies. The title, everything – cups as well. Everything is possible. History has shown they can do it.”

Deila’s comments are sure to raise a few eyebrows in the Granite City.

Times have changed since Fergie’s triumphant days and the financial gap is much wider than it was during the 1980s when Rangers were toiling and Dundee United and Hearts were every bit as strong as Celtic.

There is still a gap between Aberdeen and the likes of Partick Thistle and Inverness yet they dropped four points against them over the festive period.

Deila isn’t sure if the Dons have managed to escape too much flak but thinks they should have lofty ambitions regardless.

He said: “I haven’t followed how much criticism they have had but Celtic is Celtic. It’s about the history and we have unbelievable supporters – it’s a massive club.

“But, having said that, Aberdeen are much bigger than a lot of the other clubs as well. So they should grow as we should do here and everyone else as well.”

Unlike Aberdeen, Deila’s not been scared to declare his desires. He demanded a Treble last year – only to fall short – and has called out the same again this year. Better out than in, he reckons.

Deila said: “If you say you will win it and don’t do it, so what?

“There is only one who can do it – there will be nine or 10 losers, not just you.

Watch as our top team discuss Aberdeen and Celtic's battle for the title..

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

“But if you don’t say it and think it, how are you going to do it? You have to believe.

“As an individual athlete you have to always say that you want to be the best. Maybe you won’t get there the first year but it’s why you are doing it.

“That’s the same in football. There is no point in going around saying, ‘I can be number four.’

“Who remembers that? It’s all about winning things. Everything is possible in football.

“In Norway we won the cup first. We took silverware and then there was a new step.

“In the end we made it and it was a great achievement but Stromsgodset are not even close to being as big as Aberdeen.

“And for me there are a lot of other clubs – Hearts are a very big club as well.

“They are in a big city and so are Aberdeen. So I can’t see why they should be

so unbelievably different.”

Deila’s been in Aberdeen’s shoes. In fact, his gutties were much tighter when he was at Stromsgodset.

He led the unfashionable minnows to the Norwegian title and therefore he is perhaps more aware of the Red peril than most Parkhead punters.

Deila said: “I said it every year at Stromsgodset, even when I knew we were not going to win the title.

“But if you don’t set high goals, you will never win the league. You have to say that you want to do it.

(Image: Getty Images)

“We said it three years in a row at Stromsgodset but didn’t do it until the last time. Everything

is possible if you work in the right way.”

Deila wasn’t shocked to see the Dons slip up in recent games. His side have been faltering as well with defeat to Motherwell and a draw at Tynecastle.

He badly needs a win against Partick Thistle tomorrow but admitted neither title rival can take anything for granted.

He said: “I’ve been in football too long, nothing is surprising. You can see all over Europe that it is hard to keep consistency and keep winning.

“It’s important to see that sometimes. It’s not just a case of just putting boots on the pitch and getting three points. You have to really work and have a good performance.

“So I’m not surprised at anything. What’s important is that we have to keep focused on what we are going to do. We have to get our three points against Partick Thistle.”