WE'LL GIVE JAMBOS THE 3RD DEGREE

JAMIE SMITH last night warned Celtic, Hearts and Rangers that Aberdeen can smash their way into the SPL top three this season.

Many observers believe every side out with the big three are playing for fourth spot in the top flight - but Dons winger Smith scoffs at such a claim.

Pittodrie boss Jimmy Calderwood never stopped insisting last season that his team were far better than their league position suggested and if his injury list ever cleared up, which it did in the new year, then the fans would witness a totally different side in the Granite City.

Better still the Dons approach the new campaign with a clean bill of health and a feeling of confidence they're struggling hard to keep under wraps.

Smith said: "I think we are going to be a lot stronger. If we get a better start than we did last time then I can see us doing a lot better this season. I certainly think we can push for a top-three spot. I honestly don't see why we can't.

"If we can keep the nucleus of the side injury-free then we can certainly push Celtic and Rangers.

"It's obviously not even the start of the season yet and Rangers have a completely new squad which we don't know a lot about. Hearts will be strong again and if we can just maintain the level we finished with last season, then we can build on it.

"I believe Hearts can be challenged and they showed last year the Old Firm can be breached. We know what we're capable of. We can play good football and at times last season we matched Hearts and we have a stronger squad now."

When Smith was fit last season he along with the immaculate Russell Anderson were Aberdeen's best players.

A couple of goals against Rangers, in the first season in 20 that Aberdeen were unbeaten by their old foes from Ibrox, were the highlights but there was so much more he contributed.

Smith, 25, has always been a good player. A high level of skill, combined with genuine pace is not so common these days. But at Celtic his lack of a run in the side seemed to affect his confidence.

Now he seems to have found the right club and place in which to live after a year with Den Haag. He has a year to go on his contract but this is somewhere Smith can see himself staying for a some time.

He said: "I couldn't say I could lay down roots at Aberdeen because I've said so before in my career and it's backfired.

"I love Aberdeen. It's a great city, a great club and my team-mates are brilliant. It's the most I've ever enjoyed my football. In fact, I've said that a few times.

"There's a lot to be said about being happy at your work and my family love the city."

Taken from the Daily Record