ABERDEEN manager Derek McInnes is impressed by Hibernian and expects them to be their latest challengers for second place in the Ladbrokes Premiership.

The Easter Road men, back in the top flight this season, travel to Pittodrie today six points behind the Dons and Rangers, who both trail a Celtic side who are heavy favourites to retain their title by five points.

McInnes’s Aberdeen have finished as runners-up for the past three seasons and while he knows Neil Lennon’s men have them in their sights he is determined to remain best of the rest.

He said: “I think Hibs have certainly added to the league this year. I think Neil’s got them going well.

“The bounce they’ve had from promotion and winning the cup the year before that is evident and I think they’ve taken to the Premiership well, which I thought they would do given their experience.

“I think it’s clear from what they’re saying and what they believe at Hibs, is that they think they can be the next best team to Celtic.

“There is nothing wrong with Hibs having that confidence and belief.

“I am sure it comes from the manager and their performances would give them every right to suggest that.

“We have finished second in the last few years by a considerable amount of points and cemented second place way before the season finished.

“Last season I think was by our lowest margin, I think it was nine points ahead of Rangers.

“Hearts came up and I think they were quite vocal in what they were going to do and challenge us for second and we have seen that off.

“Rangers coming up last year, Hibs this year, so the challenge is always there for us.”