Swanson - SPL gap closing

Swanson: Excited by challenge

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Dundee United playmaker Danny Swanson insists the gap at the top of the Scottish Premier League table is closing.

For over 20 years Celtic and Rangers have dominated Scotland's top-flight by consistently battling for top spot.

Aberdeen were the last team outside the Old Firm to be crowned champions of Scotland when they finished top in 1985.

The Terrors upset Celtic last time out and Swanson believes victory over Rangers next month will make them serious contenders.

Gap closing

"The gap between Celtic, Rangers and the rest is closing," said Swanson.

"But it's games we probably should have won against what are termed smaller teams that have cost us and we have to put that right at Fir Park.

"The race will go right to the end of the season. We set our sights on third at the start.

"We still have players to come back which will make us even stronger.

"Guys such as Fran Sandaza and Lee Wilkie played almost all of last season but have been injured this term so when they return so much the better.

Confidence

"If we beat Rangers in the rearranged match next month confidence will increase. You just never know.

"We were the better team by a mile in the game that was abandoned then Rangers scored.

"The Old Firm are still good teams even though they're not as strong as they used to be.

"They don't have the kind of money to throw around like they had years ago."