Scott Brown in frank Rangers points confession as Aberdeen told rules of rise up table go beyond decking rivals

Former Aberdeen skipper Scott Brown expects a big display against Rangers but admits points against the Ibrox side must be part of a grand plan to shoot up the Premiership table.

A clash between the great rivals has received an added spark in the wake of stinging claims from Kris Boyd and Ibrox followers that the Dons try harder against Rangers than Celtic in the wake of their 6-0 trouncing. And Brown – a Parkhead legend after 14 trophy laden years in Glasgow's east end – stayed clear of those accusation but he does expect Barry Robson's side to come out swinging in the High Noon showdown on Sunday.

But he reckons if a significant blow is landed on the chin of Philippe Clement's men then it must be the start of push towards rivals in the race to finish third and guarantee group stage European football next season. Brown – speaking to luckyblock.com – said: "Aberdeen will be looking at third place thinking, ‘we are only seven points off it, can we go on a run and make sure that we get into Europe again?’. They’ve got the Scottish League Cup final coming up against Rangers on December 17 as well and I’m sure the fans will be backing them for that and hoping for a little bit of silverware.

"Aberdeen’s game against Rangers this weekend is their first at home for a month, so I’m sure the fans will be buzzing for it. That game means so much to the club. They need to make sure that they’re worrying not just about Rangers, but about everyone else in the league because they need to take points off everyone."

Brown believes Robson is the right man to map a Granite City revolution and will be even stronger when their encouraging Europa Conference League group stage draws to a conclusion.

He added: “I think Aberdeen will be fine