Neil Warnock insists Aberdeen, Hearts and Hibernian can bridge the gap on Celtic and Rangers over time.
The 75-year-old, who picked up his first win as Pittodrie boss at the weekend when his side defeated Bonnyrigg Rose 2-0, feels the gulf is not as big as some might think.
And he says he will be letting the Aberdeen hierarchy know what they can do to get close to Glasgow's big two.
He said: "I think it is possible to break into the big-timers, but I think it would take anybody time to do that.
"Having been here for two or three games now, I can see that some of the players under me are relishing the challenge up here.
"I think that's the big thing for clubs like Aberdeen, Hearts and Hibs who are challenging the top two.
"But I haven't had much time to look beyond that. I have got enough to do in looking at my players and trying to get the best out of the group and deciding on who will play and who won't play."
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"I think it's a mixture of things. The recruitment has got to be excellent and in liaison with the manager.
"Then it's all about opinions really. My opinion on a player would probably be different to another manager, you all have your trends.
"I like my leaders in a club who can stand up and be counted during a game. We haven't got many of those besides Shinnie, but they are a genuine bunch and I will move on with that.
"There will come a time when Dave (Cormack) and Alan (Burrows) will ask me about certain things, and I will be straight up with them.
"It won't be a eye-opener for them but I would definitely try and tell the truth.
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