Aberdeen have thrown down title gauntlet...now Celtic must pick it up

Watching Aberdeen overtake them in the title race must have been a sobering sight for everyone at Parkhead, even if the Dons have now played a game more.

The downfall of any team trying to challenge for the title which Celtic have held for the last three seasons has been to find consistency of results.

So, all credit to Derek McInnes and his lads, as they have managed to do that with six straight league wins.

Given the time of year, it is appropriate that Celtic resolve to consider this a gauntlet thrown down, and accept they are very much in a fight.

Ronny Deila and his Bhoys are approaching the half-way stage of their campaign, and there are things they have got to improve upon.

Top of this must be to stop shipping the number of points which they have let slip through their fingers this season.

That's been down to inconsistency of performance. And, while Ronny reckons most of this damage was done in the early stages of the campaign, it has been creeping back during the past few games.

Individually and collectively, they must make it their New Year resolution to get their act together and construct the kind of run which will see them regain top spot in the table in the shortest possible time - then hold onto it for the remainder of the season.

While they are at it, they should resolve not to pay the slightest bit of notice to the defeatist talk coming out of places like Pittodrie and Tannadice.

While the Dons and United players and management might be down playing their chances of winning the title, you can be sure they believe they have a real chance.

And, if the Celtic players fall for their mind games, it will only strengthen the hands of those who want to prevent it becoming four-in-a-row for the Hoops.

While we are at it, I'd also like Ronny to resolve to think twice before he talks about the bobbly pitch at Parkhead, or their heavy fixture list after he has watched his side fail to reach the standard they should.

As a Celtic manager, you might think this. But, to the fans who know when they have watched the players perform well below what they are capable of, it never sounds good when you actually say it.

Sticking with Ronny, I'd also prefer it if he held back on the extravagant post-match celebrations in front of the supporters until the game really means something, for example, after they have won a trophy.

I know he wants to connect with the fans, and considers showing his passion for the club in this manner is the best way to do this.

Call me old school, but I always thought a wave of acknowledgement was sufficient in public.

And, if you want to jump up and down and fist pump, the privacy of the dressing room surrounded by your players is the best place for all that.

It's certainly going to be a big year for Ronny and the Celtic team, and I hope there are plenty of opportunities for everyone to be celebrating.

The fact they are in all the competitions after the turn of the year - with the big exception of the Chanpions League, of course - in many ways offsets the fact they have failed to put a stranglehold on the title.

However, nothing has been won as yet, and retaining the championship - and the entry ticket to the Champions league qualifiers that comes with it - remains the priority.

Ronny does not think it is fair to compare this season with the previous one as it is his first and was Neil Lennon's fourth.

Well, I can see his point, to a degree.

But, no matter if it is your first, tenth or final season in charge of Celtic, the demands remain the same.

You must make the team the best you can, but, above all, you must win the title.

I didn't manage that for the first two years I was boss of the club. And, even though a very strong and well-resourced Rangers team was the main opposition, while Hearts were also serious contenders, I don't need any reminding how much pressure I was under throughout my time in charge to deliver the league flag - and how much of a relief it was when I finally achieved this.

Having been brought up in the West of Scotland and having played for the club during some of its most successful years, I had the distinct advantage of knowing exactly what I was walking into when I accepted the chance to become manager.

I am not sure Ronny was quite as aware when he moved here from Stromsgodset.

As we move into 2015, I am sure the reality of it what he has taken on will now be here.

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