PITTODRIE legend Willie Miller reckons the next hat-trick of Premiership fixtures will show if Aberdeen have the mettle for a top flight title challenge.

Derek McInnes' side are currently second in the standings after winning their first five league fixtures and are just one point adrift of champions Celtic, who have played a game more.

The Hoops make the trip to the North East when the domestic schedule resumes next weekend for their biggest Premiership clash of the campaign.

It will kick-off a crucial couple of weeks for the Dons as they look to continue their impressive run and set their sights on top spot.

Celtic won all four of the meetings with Aberdeen last term and Miller knows the September 12 showdown is crucial even at this early stage of the season.

He told Ladbrokes: "My old club Aberdeen have had a terrific start to the season but [I] think the next few games will tell us a lot more about the their title credentials.

"After the international break they play Celtic at home, Hamilton at home and then Hearts away and these games will be crucial in shaping Aberdeen’s season.

"There is little doubt that the Dons, and Hearts who have also had a great start, can challenge this year but whether they can actually take the title off Celtic will come down to how they perform in the head-to-head matches.

"If they win some of those games, or at least don’t lose them all as Aberdeen did last year, they will be right up there.

"It’s too early to say they can win the title as they are yet to prove they can beat Celtic but if they beat the Bhoys when the Ladbrokes Premiership resumes then I think it’s fair to say Aberdeen can get there.

"While talk of a title tilt is encouraging, however, the realistic target is to improve on last season and they have done that so far.

"I think the aim is to secure second place again to make sure they have European football next season and then it’s about trying to make a mark on the continent by qualifying for the Europa League. That would be a huge leap forward for the club and one that I’m sure is achievable.

"Celtic have got the biggest and strongest squad and really should take the title with the players they have at their disposal but having said that they’ve had a few leave recently so that will give Aberdeen and Hearts some confidence."