Celtic determined to spoil Rangers party

Celtic have the chance to ruin a potential title party for Rangers on Sunday if they beat Hibernian at Parkhead the day before.

The Hoops midweek win over Motherwell coupled with Rangers’ goalless draw with Dundee United means the gap at the top of the Scottish Premier League has been reduced to 11 points.

And with five games remaining the league leaders need Celtic to drop points against Hibs if they are to clinch the title on home turf against Hearts.

However, they can expect no favours from their fierce rivals who would love nothing more than to ruin their celebrations.

A disappointing season for Celtic was capped off when they crashed to a 2-0 defeat to First Division Ross County in their Scottish Cup semi-final clash last weekend.

And interim manager Neil Lennon wants his players to finish the season on a high as they attempt to make amends with their supporters.

“I want to win the next five games. That’s three league games we have won in a row – which is very pleasing – with a huge aberration in the middle of them in terms of losing to Ross County,” Lennon said.

“I don’t look back, but I don’t look too far forward, either. Obviously, that stench from the semi-final will linger for a while until we can rectify it in the eyes of the supporters.”

This weekend’s match has come too quickly for Celtic’s trio of injured central defenders Thomas Rogne, Glenn Loovens and Jos Hooiveld who are close to making a return.

One positive for Rangers that came out of their draw with United was the return to action of Madjid Bougherra after two months out injured.

The central defender said the players were disappointed to only pick up a point at Tannadice and admitted they would be cheering on Hibs in their game against Celtic so they could wrap up the title as quickly as possible.

“There is a possibility that we could win the title at Ibrox on Sunday but it depends on the Celtic result. We will see what happens there,” Bougherra said.

“We want a draw or a defeat for Celtic so there can be a good atmosphere at Ibrox if we win. It is better to have the title at home. I hope Hibs do well.

“We need to be careful because in football you don’t know what will happen. Yes, we have a big gap, but we have to win it quickly so we can be sure.

“The players are still very confident. In training, the atmosphere is normal. It is the same on the pitch. There is no more pressure. We are enjoying it.”

Rangers have no injury problems for the match against Hearts with long-term injury Kirk Broadfoot back in training. Only goal difference is keeping a Falkirk side who have won their last two games bottom of the league.

They travel to Pittodrie to take on an Aberdeen team in crisis having only chalked up one win in their last 15 matches.

Hamilton host a Kilmarnock side desperate for points as they hover one point above the relegation zone. St Mirren, who are only above Falkirk on goal difference, face a tough fixture away to a St Johnstone side that narrowly missed out on a place in the top six.

Also on Sunday, Motherwell host Dundee United at Fir Park. Motherwell are still in the hunt for a European spot despite three defeats in a row while United are chasing Celtic for second place.

Fixtures (1500 GMT unless otherwise stated)

Saturday

Aberdeen v Falkirk

Celtic v Hibernian (1215)

Hamilton v Kilmarnock

St Johnstone v St Mirren

Sunday

Motherwell v Dundee United (1615)

Rangers v Hearts (1230)