Celtic counting on home advantage to move ahead

Celtic will be aiming to maintain their perfect start to the Scottish Premier League campaign when Hamilton visit Parkhead on Saturday.

The Hoops, along with rivals Rangers, have won their first six league fixtures and sit eight points clear of Motherwell in third spot.

It has been an impressive start to life under new manager Neil Lennon after they ended last season trophyless.

Part of this success has been built on a solid defence which has conceded just twice in the league.

And as they aim to continue their run of 14 straight wins at Celtic Park, which stretches back to January, Dutch defender Glenn Loovens says he is focused on shutting out Hamilton.

“Hopefully we can keep the unbeaten run going, but we can’t get carried away,” Loovens said.

“We’re doing great so far so we have make sure we keep working hard in training and take the three points again this weekend.

“We should be winning all of our games, especially at home, no matter who we play, and it’s not going to be different this Saturday. But we will have to be sharp and strong to take the three points.”

The Dutch internationalist believes Celtic’s flying start to the season has been based on a number of factors, including the arrival of a new management team and the introduction of some fresh faces, like central defensive partner Daniel Majstorovic, into the squad.

“The manager has brought in a lot of good players but in himself he has also brought a bit of passion,” Loovens, who scored in last week’s win over Hibs, said.

“The coaching staff are quite young and you see they have a lot of enthusiasm and passion for the game. But the defensive partnership with Daniel Majstorovic is also going very well. He’s a good, experienced player and he brings a lot to the team.

“With a good player next to you, you play better yourself so I’m really pleased it’s going well at the moment.”

After the loss of several key players in the summer Hamilton have been unable to build on their great end to last season and sit just one point above the bottom.

Celtic could find themselves three points behind in the race for the championship by the time they take the field on Saturday if rivals Rangers, who have also had a 100 percent start to the season, win away to Hearts in the early kick-off.

Madjid Bougherra and goal hero Steven Naismith both took knocks in the Champions League win over Bursaspor but are expected to be available for the match.

James Beattie and John Fleck could be handed places in the squad while Nikita Jelavic, who was ineligible for the midweek European match, should return to partner ten-goal strike partner Kenny Miller up front.

Elsewhere on Saturday, bottom of the table St Mirren face a tough trip away to third-placed Motherwell.

Inverness Caledonian Thistle could leapfrog Aberdeen into a top six spot with a win against the visitors on Saturday.

After an impressive start to the season Aberdeen have only picked up one point in their last four matches and have slipped down the table.

St Johnstone and Hibernian clash at McDiarmid Park. Both sides have had a torrid time in the league so far and just a point separate the two sides.

After a shaky start Dundee United have begun to show the form which won them the Scottish Cup last season and will prove difficult opponents for Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.

Fixtures (1400 GMT unless otherwise stated)

Saturday

Hearts v Rangers (1100)

Celtic v Hamilton

Inverness CT v Aberdeen

Kilmarnock v Dundee United

Motherwell v St Mirren

St Johnstone v Hibernian