Celtic wary of fast rising Dundee United

Celtic midfielder Paul Hartley says his club will be facing the up-and-coming force in Scottish football when they host Dundee United in Saturday's Scottish Premier League match.

The Hoops midfielder is a massive admirer of the Arabs and their manager Craig Levein and has been impressed by the job his former Hearts boss has done at Tannadice.

With Rangers not playing until Sunday the Parkhead club have the chance to put pressure on their rivals, who they defeated 1-0 in last week's Old Firm clash, by opening up a ten-point gap at the top of the league.

But with United presently sitting third in the table Hartley knows they will arrive at Parkhead full of confidence and the midfielder has warned his team-mates to expect another tough 90 minutes.

“I know Craig well. He's a great manager and we're in for a really hard match on Saturday. They have a lot of talented young players and they will make it tough for us.

“I said at the start of the season that United would be up there challenging at the top and that's they way it's worked out. They are third just now and they are worthy of that position just now.

“Craig's got a real knack of spotting talent. He takes chances on guys from the lower divisions and he improves them.

“When I was at St Johnstone, he took me to Hearts and I've got a lot to thank him for. He's a very good manager.”

Celtic could welcome back Aiden McGeady to the first team squad after a two-week suspension following a fall-out with manager Gordon Strachan.

On Sunday Rangers make the long journey north to take on Inverness Caledonian Thistle. Walter Smith's side know a win is vital if they are to keep in touch with leaders Celtic following last weekend's defeat in the Old Firm derby.

The Ibrox club have been given a boost with the news defender Madjid Bougherra is available for the match after missing the last three games through injury.

Inverness, who have only taken five points at home all season, are a club in crisis after the supporters' trust called an emergency meeting with chairman George Fraser this week to discuss concerns about the performance of manager Craig Brewster.

In Saturday's other games Hearts and Hibernian clash at Tynecastle in the Edinburgh derby.

The Jambos will be without Marius Zaliukas and Lee Wallace after they were dismissed in last weekend's defeat to Aberdeen, the club's first loss in seven games. Hibs captain Rob Jones is an injury doubt for the game.

Aberdeen travel to New Douglas Park to take on basement club Hamilton. The Dons squad missed two days training during the week after a flu bug hit the Pittodrie club. Aberdeen have won their last four games while a win for Hamilton could lift them out the relegation zone.

St Mirren host Motherwell in the club's final game at Love Street. The game is a sell-out as the club's fans gather to say goodbye to a stadium that has been their home since 1894 before they move to St Mirren Park.

The Buddies are on a four game winning run while Motherwell need a win to climb away from the relegation zone.

Falkirk take on Kilmarnock without Russell Latapy, who has returned to his native Trinidad and Tobago to take up a coaching position. Kilmarnock will be missing goalkeeper Alan Combe through suspension following his dismissal in last weekend's 4-2 defeat to Hibs.

Fixtures (1500 GMT unless otherwise stated)

Saturday

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

Sunday

Inverness CT v Rangers (1230)