Derek McInnes has played down claims that Rangers have a title race advantage over Celtic and Hearts due to not competing in Europe.
Parkhead boss Martin O'Neill last week claimed that their Glasgow rivals had a "big advantage" in the battle for supremacy in Scotland.
The defending Scottish champions moved back to the top of the Premiership with a 2-0 win over Motherwell at Fir Park.
Celtic's Europa League setback
But the blockbuster fixtures continued into midweek for Celtic as they travelled to Lisbon to face Benfica in search of their first Europa League point.
Things didn't go to plan for the Hoops as they were thumped 4-1 before facing title rivals Hearts on Sunday.
The Jambos go into the game with their own disappointments - having been denied their first Conference League win by a late goal from FC Nordsjjaelland in the 1-1 draw.
McInnes admits envy
After stumbling in the Europa and Conference League playoff rounds, McInnes had a free week to prepare his squad for their Premiership clash on Saturday night with Dundee.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he insisted: "You would much rather be in Europe. There is a wee bit of envy, watching some of the games last night."
"But, we have got to deal with that situation and the best way we can deal with that situation, and go out and feel good about ourselves, is by making sure we are strong domestically."
Domestic focus ahead of semi-final
"Obviously we have a semi-final [Premier Sports Cup, vs Aberdeen] to look forward to, and if we can go into that game in good form by winning some of these upcoming games - or all of them if we can - then, only then, will we see the benefit of it."
"I do think as you go into the winter months, only focussing on week to week can only be a good thing from our point of view - but it doesn't guarantee you anything."
O'Neill said last weekend on the Light Blues absence from European competition: "I think that's a big advantage for them [Rangers] in many aspects."
"I wanted Rangers to qualify for their competition just to play the games. It wasn't altruistic on my part. I just wanted them to play the matches."
"We'll try and deal with it as best we can. Obviously, the most important thing for us is to stay up there in the league."
