Celtic and Rangers used to be miles better than Aberdeen - but not anymore.

That's the view of new Dons manager Neil Warnock.

The veteran Englishman took over from Barry Robson at Pittodrie earlier this week as he got to grips with Scottish football in his first game at Ibrox on Tuesday night.

That ended in a narrow 2-1 defeat, as Philippe Clement's side went level on points with Celtic at the top of the Premiership for 24 hours.

Brendan Rodgers' side then opened up a three-point gap with victory over Hibernian, however, the Light Blues do have a game-in-hand. Aberdeen managed a 1-1 draw against Celtic last weekend on their own patch with Peter Leven in temporary charge.

It's now time for attention to turn to the Scottish Cup, with the fifth round taking place this weekend. Bonnyrigg Rose are the visitors at Pittodrie on Saturday, and Warnock has ambitions of going all the way in the competition.

"I mean I'd like to win it me, yeah," the 75-year-old told the media. "It's alright talking about it, really.

"We've seen us play against Celtic and Rangers, both winnable games. 

"A few years ago I would say they were miles ahead of us, are you with me? I don't see that now. 

"They're better than us, but you know, I think with the right attitude and tactical way, you can have a go at them."

READ MORE: David Martindale questioned over Derek Adams 'I'm gutted' quip

Meanwhile, Livingston boss David Martindale insisted his midweek quip about being “gutted” at Derek Adams leaving relegation rivals Ross County was not intended as a personal attack.

Martindale explained that he simply wanted the “unhappy environment” at the Dingwall club to fester as long as possible.

The Lions are six points adrift of the 11th-placed Staggies at the foot of the cinch Premiership.