Jonny Hayes insists Celtic are better than Rangers and that's why Aberdeen FC have a better record against Ibrox side

Jonny Hayes has jumped to Aberdeen's defence and insisted Celtic have simply been better than Rangers for the last five or six years - that is why they have managed to get more results against the Ibrox side.

The conspiracy theorists have been out in force since the Dons were mauled 6-0 by the champions in their last game before the international break. Aberdeen haven’t beaten Celtic since 2018 but their record against their Glasgow rivals is far more impressive, including two wins in their last three meetings against the Light Blues.

Pundit Kris Boyd criticised Aberdeen after their Celtic Park collapse and claimed Barry Robson would have no problem getting a reaction from his side for their next game because it was against Rangers. Hayes stated: “It doesn’t matter who we play. Whether it is Motherwell, St Mirren, Rangers, Celtic - we want to win games. It doesn’t make any difference to me personally.

“Put the shoe on the other foot and say Celtic have been better than Rangers for the last five or six years. We prepare the same in terms of wanting to win the game. We don’t try to get a draw or worry about the next game.

“We want to win every game whether that is PAOK away, Rangers at home or St Mirren away. We are realistic enough to know that is not always going to happen but there is no point being involved and wanting to push yourself if you don’t want to win every game.

"Winning is the best part of football and is what makes you successful. It is what we preach to the younger kids as well – it is about winning regardless of the opposition.”

Former Celtic star Hayes has also insisted he wants to come out on top at everything he does, including in training and knows that is part of the demands of being at