Aberdeen star Jonny Hayes says "Celtic are better than Rangers" as the storm rumbles on ahead of Philippe Clement's side visit to Pittodrie tomorrow.

Former Rangers player Kris Boyd started the row after he stated Barry Robson's men would have no problems getting themselves up for their fixture against the Ibrox side despite losing 6-0 at Parkhead before the international break.

This has led to rebuttals from Aberdeen captain Graeme Shinnie and manager Robson. And now Hayes, who played for Celtic for three seasons between 2017 and 2020, has explained why the Dons have a better recent record against Rangers.

He said: " It doesn’t matter who we play. Whether it is Motherwell, St Mirren, Rangers, Celtic - we want to win games.

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"It doesn’t make any difference to me personally. Put the shoe on the other foot and say Celtic have been better than Rangers for the last five or six years.

We prepare the same in terms of wanting to win the game. We don’t try to get a draw or worry about the next game.

"We want to win every game whether that is PAOK away, Rangers at home or St Mirren away.

"We are realistic enough to know that is not always going to happen but there is no point being involved and wanting to push yourself if you don’t want to win every game.

"Winning is the best part of football and is what makes you successful. It is what we preach to the younger kids as well – it is about winning regardless of the opposition.”