But when the international break ends, you feel that the period from now until New Year will define what kind of season Celtic will have.

There are huge issues to be resolved, including Celtic v Rangers League Cup Finalas well as crucial European matches on the road to the team that will secure knockout football in the Champions League.

The main event is still the title and maintaining that deserved top spot, with Aberdeen showing no signs of disappearing after 11 matches played.

Thanks to Jimmy Thelin’s men, they managed to keep pace with the champions, but they are far behind on goal difference.

The top two are nine points clear of third-placed Rangers and it’s pretty clear how everything is shaping up.

But one Barry Ferguson seemed baffled by it all when discussing the Premiership’s top two.

Who will finish second behind Celtic?

Ferguson admitted that when Celtic beat Aberdeen in League Cup semi-finalhe thought it was the beginning of the end for the Dons.

But they kept moving forward and they can’t stop winning, as Rodgers has a title challenge from an unknown source this season.

Ferguson admitted Aberdeen were “here to stay”, but when asked who would finish in the top two, he omitted Aberdeen and was subsequently mocked by Go Radio presenter Paul Cooney.

“It’s always difficult when you go to St Mirren, there’s no doubt about that,” Ferguson said. “It will be a potential banana skin for Aberdeen. But they have great confidence. This win against Dundee showed they had something in them after being beaten by Celtic in the semi-final. You think “this could be it”. They’re the ones who are going to have trouble. But they came back with a big victory against Dundee. That shows you they’re here to stay, Aberdeen. I’ve never seen him. But now I think they are a challenge.

On the first two: “No,” Ferguson replied. And then presenter Paul Cooney mocked the pundit, saying: “They’re back to stay,” says Barry Ferguson. First or second? No. Third.”

Ferguson then added: “But you have to give them credit. It was a big test for them. They couldn’t get anywhere near Celtic, let’s be honest. You think “that’s right, it’s going to hurt them.”

Scottish Premiership table

The only thing stopping Celtic from adding another title to their cabinet is themselves and the distraction of the Champions League.

For the first time in a long time, the Bboys will be competing in Europe’s elite competition after Christmas and it will seriously test the legs.

But even then, Celtic have a very strong team and you can only see one result at the end of it all. It’s just a question of how long will Aberdeen stay in the race?!

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