Derek McInnes believes his current Aberdeen squad have more personality and maturity than any group during his time at Pittodrie as he hailed his youngsters for coming of age during a daunting December.
McInnes was keen to point out that the Dons' festive schedule was every bit as congested as that of the Old Firm, with the Reds playing nine games in 27 days – without the resources of the Glasgow giants.
Nevertheless, Aberdeen's 2-1 triumph over Livingston on Saturday was their sixth Ladbrokes Premiership victory during that run, ensuring they will go into the winter break just three points behind the Hoops at the summit.
With the likes of Connor McLennan, Bruce Anderson, Scott Wright and Lewis Ferguson forced to sink or swim as McInnes utilised his full squad, the results have left him positive about the future.
He said: "Everybody is talking about how Celtic and Rangers' squads have been stretched in December. Rangers have had eight games, Celtic have had nine. We've had nine and are dealing with that without the numbers they have.
"But that has meant we have learned a bit more about the younger ones at the club. We have produced one of the youngest teams in the SPFL this season.
"We have been forced to dig deep with our squad as we had nine unavailable and this period has shown me that perhaps this group, more than any other group in my time here, have a bit more personality and maturity to go with the talent.
"You look at young Connor McLennan, he was maybe not as electrifying as he was in the first game against Livingston but he was so trustworthy in terms of matching runs, stopping crosses and doing his bit for the team. He showed maturity and fitness.
"There were more on the bench as well – I have jeans older than Ethan Ross!"
Meanwhile, Livingston boss Gary Holt insists he is already eyeing reinforcements as he seeks to build on a fantastic first half of the season, notwithstanding their narrow defeat to the Dons.
However, he is adamant any prospective signing will need to possess the hunger and desire that have made the Lions such a daunting proposition this term, particularly on their own patch.
Holt added: "We've got two or three players in mind that we would like to have a look at.
"But they will need to have the same characteristics as the rest of the squad; that desire, work rate and willingness to come in and enjoy working hard.
"If anyone thinks they are coming here to be a passenger, they ain't going to get signed."
