Ryan Jack says Aberdeen are keeping it simple as they set their targets for the new season, claiming they want to improve on last years points tally and see where it takes them.

The Dons finished second behind Celtic last season, finishing 15 points off top spot. However, after pushing the champions for months a late dip in form saw them sign off on the campaign with some dissatisfaction.

Jack said that memory was fresh in the players' minds but that they could learn from the experience and improve.

"Improving on our points tally from last season is the aim," Jack said. "We always look for ways that we can improve. In the league that's our points tally and especially the way we finished the season.

"We never finished the season as strongly as we wanted and Celtic got away from us a bit but Celtic did well and held on to top spot and we just want to improve."

Jack credited Europa League qualifiers as part of the reason for a strong start to the league last year but said that the Betfred Cup may mean there's no longer an advantage over rivals even though the team looks stronger.

"In the European campaign so far we've looked strong," he said. "The players that the manager's brought into the squad have helped us and taken us up another gear so we're looking forward to the season starting.

"Obviously playing European games gives you that bit more competitive football than what other teams had last season but I think this season it's a wee bit different. With the League Cup everyone's played a few competitive games.

"We don't see why we can't replicate [last year's start] and we've got the squad and players to do it but we're not going to put that pressure on ourselves that we need to win the first eight games."