THE clock is ticking on Aberdeen's challenge to Celtic for the SPFL Premiership title.

The Hoops emerged from the weekend seven points clear and can extend that to 10 when they play Partick Thistle on Wednesday, while Aberdeen try to get back on track against Inverness.

Celtic would need to win just five of their remaining eight games to cross the finishing line. Which is why Ronny Deila believes the pressure is mounting on the Dons. He said: "The more games we are winning, it is going to be harder and harder for them to catch us and cancel the advantage we now have.

"So we just have to keep focused on our performances and be ready for every game."

There is a growing air of assurance and confidence about Deila as he homes in on his No.1 target for his debut season, and the Treble which would put him in the history books.

Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes had banked on the international break to disrupt Celtic's charge to the prizes.

In the event, it was the Dons who dropped two points after being held to a goalless draw at home by Partick.

Deila feels Celtic had asked a big question of their nearest rivals by winning 2-0 away to St Mirren the night before.

Reflecting on what was a pivotal weekend in the title trace, he said: "Our win on Friday meant Aberdeen knew they had to win the next day.

"Now we are seven points ahead with nine games to go and in a good position."

It is certainly Celtic's title to throw away, and Deila believes he has the players who can see the job through.

However, he acknowledges he will need all of them because the schedule the Hoops face is so demanding.

Wednesday will see them play the first of three midweek games in a row, which will carry them right through to the post-split fixtures, which begin on April 25.

In the middle of all this, Celtic also have a trip to the Highlands to face Inverness, and a Scottish Cup semi-final against John Hughes' side.

Asked if he has ever known such an intensive schedule at this stage of a season, Deila answered honestly: "No, not even close.

"So it's a new experience for me.

"I don't know if it is knew for all of the players. Maybe it is for some.

"But the positive thing is that when you have to play so many matches at this time of the season it is because you are in every tournament - and that's what we want."

Off the field, Celtic are awaiting news of how the SFA plan to proceed

with their case against John Guidetti for allegedly singing a song which was offensive towards Rangers.

The Swede had until last week to contest the charge, which he has done.

If found guilty, the striker could face a fine or a ban, but Deila is content to wait and see what transpires.

He said: "We have made a statement about that. So I don't think I want to say any more about it."

Likewise, the Hoops boss was succinct when asked about speculation they were in for Millwall defender Alan Dunne.

He said: "I have not heard of his name."