Celtic boss Ronny Deila expects title race to go down to wire

Celtic manager Ronny Deila looks on during the UEFA Champions League Qualifying play off first leg match, between Celtic FC and Malmo FF at Celtic Park on August 19, 2015
© Getty Images
Celtic manager Ronny Deila predicts that Aberdeen will push his side all the way in this season's Scottish Premiership title race.

Celtic manager Ronny Deila has said that he is expecting the Scottish Premiership title race to go down to the wire this season.

The Bhoys have won the title in each of the past four seasons and lead the way again this term, although Saturday's shock home defeat at the hands of Motherwell left the gap to Aberdeen at just one point.

Deila believes that the Dons are capable of pushing his side all the way this term, and warned that winning a fifth consecutive title would not be straightforward.

"I think they are a very good football team. They have a consistency and have worked in peace for many years with the same squad and have strengthened the squad. So they are a good opponent," he told Sky Sports News.

"We need to win games and get the points we need to win it and they are going to push us until the last minute."

Aberdeen would leapfrog Celtic at the top of the table with victory over Inverness Caledonian Thistle on Saturday, although the Hoops would then have two games in hand.

Ronny Deila manager of Celtic looks on prior to the UEFA Europa League Group A match between Celtic FC and AFC Ajax at Celtic Park on November 26, 2015 in Glasgow, United Kingdom.
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Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CCeltic36258385295683
2Aberdeen36225962431971
3Hearts361710956381861
4St Johnstone36157145452252
5Motherwell36145174455-1147
6Ross County36136175058-845
7Dundee361114115252047
8Inverness Caledonian ThistleInverness361210144948146
9Partick Thistle37129163948-945
10Hamilton AcademicalHamilton36119164060-2042
11Kilmarnock3698193859-2135
RDundee UnitedDundee Utd3777234168-2728