FOOTBALL: Reality dawns on desperate Dons

The Rangers manager, Walter Smith, has made a sober pledge as the club's pursuit of a seventh successive Bell's Scottish League Premier Division title enters its final phase.

Smith's side can move up to 62 points if they defeat struggling Aberdeen at Ibrox today. If second-placed Motherwell fail to beat Partick Thistle at Fir Park then Alex McLeish's side could not match that total. Celtic, not in league action this weekend because of Tennents Scottish Cup commitments, still have seven games left and can reach 62 points if they win them all.

Rangers have a 20-goal advantage over their Old Firm rivals but Smith says there will be no celebrations at Ibrox today should his side win and Motherwell falter. As long as a mathematical chance that Rangers can be overhauled remains, Smith will not endorse any partying.

The immediate concern of Smith, who could have Mark Hateley back after a two-month absence, is to garner three points against the Dons, who are two points adrift at the bottom.

"Everyone has been focusing on the relegation issue but retaining the championship is every bit as important to us," Smith said. "We've home games against Aberdeen and Hibs. If we do well in them we will win the title again. That is our solitary aim."

Aberdeen are facing relegation for the first time unless they can improve over the last six games. Despite last week's 1-0 home defeat by Kilmarnock, the caretaker manager, Roy Aitken, is confident his side can complete the double over Rangers.

"We beat Rangers 2-0 at Pittodrie so we know we can match them in a one-off game. But we need to be more ruthless in front of goal."

The Dons have scored only twice in six games following that win over Rangers and Aitken could recall Eoin Jess. Colin Woodthorpe is also back after a lengthy absence.