‘Possible to break into the big-timers’ – Warnock

Aberdeen interim manager Neil Warnock believes it is possible for teams outwith the Old Firm to break into the Scottish Premiership’s top two, but stressed any such feat would take time.

Warnock has overseen two games in charge of the Dons since taking over from Barry Robson, a 2-1 defeat to Rangers and a 2-0 Scottish Cup win against Bonnyrigg Rose.

The Englishman says those games have given him a sense of the type of player that is likely to succeed in Scottish football.

“I would have liked to have been here a couple of years ago to be honest,” the 75-year-old said.

“I think it is possible to break into the big-timers, but it would take anybody time to do that.

“Having looked at two or three games now, I can see certain players that I’ve had under me relishing the challenge up here.

“At any club the recruitment has to be excellent at liaising with the manager, and then it’s all about opinions. I like people who are going to stand up and be counted in games.”

Warnock also explained what keeps drawing him back to management, and what he misses when he’s out of the game.

“I do miss the dressing room banter, and trying to improve players. I don’t miss hotels and motorways – I couldn’t do it long-term now, but I still get a kick out of the games and trying to get a victory. I don’t think there’s any better feeling than that.”