Hibs squad is no worse than Aberdeen but Dons are already out of reach because of key difference - Tam McManus

Aberdeen have a top three spot sewn up after just seven games and that is a sad indictment on Hibs and Hearts.

Especially when I believe that there is nothing at all between the quality in the Dons squad and that in the building at Easter Road. But last weekend just showed the big difference in mentality between the two sides. Aberdeen, not at their best and 2-1 down at home to Hearts, manage to find the steel and resolve to turn it round and fire their way to a 13th victory from 13 games this season.

Hibs fight back from 1-0 down at home to Motherwell and just as it looks like they’ll go on to win the game shoot themselves in the foot. Again. These are exactly the games you HAVE to win to finish third. Aberdeen are showing why right now by beating everyone without having yet played Celtic or Rangers.

It’s exactly what Jack Ross did with Hibs when they finished third a few years ago. Yet he was criticised for not winning a big game against the Old Firm. You don’t need to. Not to finish best of the rest.

As long as you are taking care of the other teams round about you and below then third is the reward. Grab that and the fans will be happy. Jimmy Thelin’s start at Pittodrie has been perfect. They have been fortunate with the fixtures there’s no doubt about that. They’ve yet to play either of the Old Firm and their win over Hearts at the weekend was the third time they’ve faced a side coming off a Thursday night European game. But you’ve still to win these games. The consistency they have shown sends a message out to Hibs and Hearts.

As I said, I firmly believe Hibs have got one of the best squads outside Celtic and Rangers. Look at the investment in the summer, the quality in the forward areas and midfield. But when you