Jimmy Thelin on the Celtic model he wants Aberdeen to copy for long-term success

Jimmy Thelin has pinpointed the key to Aberdeen sustaining their top-of-the-table form for seasons to come.

The Swede is still unbeaten in the Scottish Premiership, with his only loss coming against Celtic at Hampden in the League Cup semi-final and they currently sit level in points with Brendan Rodgers' side in the top flight, only behind them on goal difference. Now, Thelin has outlined the Celtic characteristic that Aberdeen need to replicate over time to return to being a European force.

The Pittodrie club are heavily favoured to finish in the European spot, and the club have ambitions of landing a spot in the top 100 clubs list, compiled by UEFA. However, many Scottish clubs outside of the Old Firm often struggle to balance domestic games with continental commitments and the Dons boss is well aware it will be a lengthy process to make the club a force on both fronts as they once were.

READ MORE: Blair Spittal on the Hearts positive he would've taken at the start of the season

READ MORE: The 7 Rangers stars on international duty as Ibrox duo face off in Nations League showdown

He said: "Celtic have been in this environment for a long time and the players have played these seasons many, many times, so they can cope. If you want to be there, you have to live it, try it and be better at it, then go again.

"It's the only way I know it and I think it's always about trying to be consistent. First of all, you have to be consistent in the league so you deserve this position to play in Europe. We have to grow such strong identities so we can be consistent in the league and then try to improve our level in Europe step by step."

Thelin is also acutely aware of what he has been tasked with achieving in the Granite City: "I don't want to go into precision, this kind of thing, but for us it's to try and build in the long term and try to be that quality.

"And then to have that capacity so we can reach a position to play in Europe next season. We know we still have a lot of things to do as it's a tough competition. That's the aim for this club, to be that good so we can be there and try to compete for European spots. From there we want to grow as a club."