ABERDEEN manager Jimmy Calderwood is "amazed" that Jean-Claude Darcheville believes Rangers can score five or six goals to clinch the Clydesdale Bank Premier League title at Pittodrie tomorrow night.
Walter Smith's side drew level with leaders Celtic with a 3-0 win over St Mirren at Love Street on Monday night but Gordon Strachan's defending champions, who play Dundee United at Tannadice in their final match, still have a four-goal advantage in g
oal difference.
Darcheville would not discount an amazing turnaround but Calderwood said: "It's very surprising to hear those types of comments. I would be extremely surprised if we would concede as many as that at Pittodrie.
"We've only lost four games at home this season and it's historically a very difficult fixture for Rangers. That's why I'm amazed at the suggestions that we would concede six goals here.
"Walter Smith, Ally McCoist and Kenny McDowell all know how difficult it is to win here, and I don't think they'll be happy with statements like that."
Calderwood believes players from both Aberdeen and Dundee United will be doing their best to win their respective games, regardless of boyhood allegiances. He said: "It's ridiculous to suggest any sportsman would be approaching a game and not want to win.
"Given the season of highs and lows that we've had, it would be great to send the fans home happy with a victory. We want to finish as high in the league as possible, we could finish fourth and that is the aim."
In the final analysis, Calderwood believes Celtic are favourites to win the title for the third season in succession. He said: "I'm convinced if Rangers hadn't made it to the Uefa Cup final that the league would be over and the SPL title would be going to Ibrox.
"They are victims of their own success to a certain extent. Celtic have won five games on the bounce and they have so many players who can win matches for them.
"The likes of Shunsuke Nakamura, Barry Robson, Aiden McGeady and Scott McDonald are capable of creating so much which makes them favourites."
The full article contains 364 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
