Derek McInnes: Bring on Celtic

Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes is anticipating a classic encounter when Labdrokes Premiership leaders Celtic visit on Boxing Day.

The Dons' rejuvenation after an early-season wobble continued with a 2-0 win over Hearts at Pittodrie on Saturday.

It was Aberdeen's fourth successive victory and it took them three points behind the Hoops and two behind Rangers and McInnes is ready for the reigning champions.

He told REDTV: "It has all the ingredients, hasn't it? It whets the appetite. Holiday game, Boxing Day, there will be full house.

"Celtic always come up here and see us as a proper game, they never rest anyone against us.

"You will see their full and strongest team against us. Bring it on. It will be a fantastic game.

"We go into the game with confidence but we realise we are up against the best team in the country.

"But they are a team that can be beaten and we feel we can do that.

"We have had three very tight games against them in the last wee while, all finishing 1-0.

"Obviously they won two recently, one the Betfred Cup final, and we have won one but there was nothing in the games.

"Even the game we won there wasn't a lot in it but we found a moment to score and get our three points and hopefully we can find those moments and find ways to get the job done.

"But it has got all the ingredients.

"Both teams at the right end of the table, both teams have a lot of good players on show, both teams have had a lot of games this month but have found ways still to get results but with the full house it is something we all look forward to.

"We will try to rest the players and really focus. I think we need physically to be at our best and hopefully we can be strong as we can be physically and in selection and have a go."