‘DONS TEST IS CRUCIAL FOR CELTS,’ DAVIE HAY

But he warned of the difficulties that lay ahead, starting this afternoon with the vital clash against Aberdeen at Pittodrie.

The club ambassador applauded Brendan Rodgers’ men for their excellent start to the Premiership campaign with a flawless record after nine games only marred by a stoppage-time leveller from Caley Thistle in Inverness in the 2-2 draw last month.

Celtic lead their nearest challengers Aberdeen by seven points with a game in hand and the have the opportunity to extend that advantage when they take on Derek McInnes’ side.

Hay, who played for and managed the Hoops, is cautious about making the claim so early in the campaign, but he said: “Up to now they are unbeaten. It’s a tall order, of course, but they have such a strong squad.

“If you look at Wednesday’s 4-0 win away to Ross County, they recorded that result having made eight alterations to the starting line-up.”

Looking at the High Noon shoot-out at Pittodrie, Hay added: “If they are going to come unstuck in a game that could very well be it.

“That may answer the question of whether they can go all season undefeated. If they manage to come back down the road with a point or even more in the bag, that could be a real indicator.”