Leigh: European runs could cost Celtic and Rangers

GREG LEIGH is right; it is too early in the season to start predicting which team will sit where in the Premiership table eight months from now.

But the Aberdeen leftback (inset), who finished a wonderfully-worked firsthalf set-piece to open the scoring against Ross County, insists the strain of competing in European football could adversely affect Celtic and Rangers on the home front.

There could, therefore, be an upside for the Dons and other leading title and trophy contenders.

“Celtic and Rangers will have a lot of extra games,” he said. “They also have a lot of international players. So, when we are getting a break, their players aren’t.

“Their involvement in Europe could be a factor. When you have a heavy game on the Thursday and then on the Sunday, it can take its toll.

“You’ve got to have that rotation and players who have been out in the cold have got to come in and perform. That’s big pressure on them. On the other hand, we would have a full week to prepare so hopefully we can take advantage.”

Aberdeen certainly sizzled against a weary-looking Ross County as Sam Cosgrove converted a penalty-kick – his tenth goal in as many games – and Ryan Hedges rounded-off a manof-the-match performance with a touch-in from Niall McGinn’s cross.

The woodwork prevented Billy McKay’s spot-kick from beating Dons goalkeeper Joe Lewis, who was just as pleased late in the game when a Ross Stewart strike rebounded off the same post.

“I thought we could take a few positives out of it after the defeat against Livingston,” said their midfielder Tom Grivosti. “We were doing alright, then two quick goals for them meant going in 2-0 down at half time.

“Obviously they get another quick goal just after half time and we played well enough after that but it was a disappointing day really.

“We have a tight unit and we’re in a similar position to last season where we have quite a lot of injuries so we need to pull together and try to get through it until they’re fit.”