RONNY DEILA today accepted Celtic are in a title race - even though his side have now moved five points clear of Aberdeen.

The Hoops also have a game in hand over their nearest challengers, who were held to a 1-1 draw by Dundee at Dens Park.

Celtic swept aside Dundee United to win 3-0 at Parkhead and finally bring to a conclusion the run of four games in two weeks against the Tannadice side.

During this intense mini-series, Celtic won the League Cup and booked their place in the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup.

They also kept three clean sheets after being held to a 1-1 draw in the first of those matches at Tannadice.

But every bit as important to Deila was the fact Saturday's win has allowed them to open the gap over the Dons at a crucial stage of the campaign.

Deila has maintained throughout that it would only be possible to say if there is a title race when we reach April, but with no more games this month due to the break for internationals, he is prepared to make that call a few days early.

The Hoops boss said: "There is still a title race. If we can win three or four more games and still be eight points clear, it is going to be very tough for Aberdeen to bring us back.

"But still it is possible, and we are going to play a lot of matches when we come back after the international break."

When their players regroup after representing their respective countries, Celtic pick up with a Friday night game away to bottom club St Mirren.

That will be the chance to stretch their lead to eight points and put even more pressure on Aberdeen.

The Hoops will then have another nine Premiership games to play in their pursuit of their fourth title in a row.

Allied to the Scottish Cup semi-final against Inverness Caley Thistle, it means they will be playing every weekend and midweek up to the split.

But despite having a heavier schedule than any other club - and having already played the most games, 50 - Deila is confident the squad he has been carefully developing will be able to stand up to the demands so many games, injuries and suspensions will throw up.

He is even more convinced of this having watched his Bhoys grow stronger and stronger with every game they played in the war of attrition with United.

With the re-introduction of players like Stuart Armstrong and Gary Mackay-Steven - who had been cup-tied for the last three matches - Celtic simply looked so much fresher than their battle-weary opponents.

Deila believes they made a real statement with the manner of this victory on top of the other two wins to zero against United, and said: "It's important that people see how tough they can be.

"The demands are high here at Celtic. So Saturday was a very good performance from the boys and I am very happy with them."