Celtic prepared for title test of nerves

Celtic can increase their lead at the top of the Scottish Premier League when they face Aberdeen on Saturday with midfielder Barry Robson predicting the champions have the iron will to retain their title.

Rivals Rangers closed the gap last weekend to just one point as they defeated Motherwell while Celtic were held to a hard-fought draw by Hearts.

However, the Hoops take on Aberdeen at Parkhead 23 hours before the Gers run out at Easter Road for their game against Hibernian and know a win could pile extra pressure on their Old Firm foes.

With just six games left, the league could go to the wire as it did last season when Celtic clinched their third championship on the trot with a final day win against Dundee United.

Robson said: “It’s nervous every day at Celtic, in every training session.

“That’s just the way it is, so it’s no different now compared to any other part of the season.

“I don’t think it will be down to the final day again, although you just don’t know how it is going to go.

“There’s a lot of pressure in all the games to come, but all the boys here know how to handle that. That’s one thing we do have in our favour here.

“We know what it takes because last year we had to go seven games unbeaten to win the league, and we still have the same personnel to do that. So it’s something we are comfortable with.”

Celtic will be without Robson, Georgios Samaras and Shaun Maloney for the match but all could return for the final Old Firm clash of the season at Ibrox on May 9.

The Dons, who are on a seven-match unbeaten run, will be a tough test for the Parkhead side.

Jimmy Calderwood’s side have conceded just five goals in that run and were narrowly beaten 3-2 on their last visit to Parkhead, having beaten the Hoops 4-2 at Pittodrie.

On Sunday, Rangers travel to Easter Road to take on Hibs.

Walter Smith has handed former captain Barry Ferguson and keeper Allan McGregor a lifeline at the club by revealing they will be available for selection again after serving a two-week suspension.

The Gers boss had previously hinted they wouldn’t play for the Ibrox side again after their drinking session and behaviour while on international duty.

However, Smith changed his stance after reviewing how the Scottish Football Association (SFA) handled the situation.

Rangers are still without injury victims Kirk Broadfoot, Sasa Papac, Lee McCulloch and Kenny Miller for the match.

The Easter Road side will provide stern opposition for Smith’s side as they bid for the points they need for a top six finish.

In Saturday’s other games, Falkirk host Hearts desperate for points as they battle to avoid relegation.

The Bairns are four points adrift at the bottom and need to start winning soon if they are to stay in the top flight.

Dundee United take on Kilmarnock at Tannadice five points off the pace in their bid to qualify for next year’s Europa League.

Killie are in confident spirits following their win against Falkirk last weekend, their first in 2009.

Inverness Caledonian Thistle could leapfrog fellow relegation battlers Hamilton with a win at the Tulloch Caledonian Stadium.

Motherwell need a win over St Mirren at Fir Park and hope Rangers defeat Hibs if they are to make the top six after the league splits following this weekend’s fixtures.

Fixtures (1500 GMT unless stated)

Saturday

Celtic v Aberdeen, Dundee United v Kilmarnock, Falkirk v Hearts, Inverness CT v Hamilton, Motherwell v St Mirren (1230)

Sunday

Hibernian v Rangers (1400)