Only treble will ease torment says Samaras

Celtic striker Georgios Samaras says only a treble triumph on the domestic front will make up for being knocked out of European competition on Tuesday night.

The forward says he and his team-mates are still trying to come to terms with their late collapse that saw them lose to Danish minnows Aalborg in their Champions League Group E showdown.

Celtic had looked on course to end their 17-game winless away run in the competition as they took the lead through a Barry Robson header. But Brazilian Caca's deflected equaliser and a late own goal from Gary Caldwell condemned the Scottish champions to bottom spot in the group.

It means the Parkhead club do not even have the consolation of a place in the UEFA Cup as they exit Europe before Christmas and as Celtic prepare to take on Inverness Caledonian Thistle at Parkhead on Saturday Samaras says only a treble of the Scottish Premier League, Scottish and League Cup would ease his teammates torment.

“It is so disappointing, especially as we are on such a good winning run in the SPL, but it is something that was not our fault,” Samaras said.

“The most important thing for us now is to win the title again. We must focus on the championship and the two domestic cups.

“It is our destiny to win every game and every trophy in Scotland.

“We must lift our heads up after Europe and try to record wins in all of the competitions at home.

“To do that, we must improve on our performance from Aalborg – but we don't have explanations for what happened in the last few minutes.

“When we have Marc Crosas, Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, Aiden McGeady and Massimo Donati back we have a good squad and the ability to win everything in Scotland.”

Celtic take on Inverness hoping to make it 12 straight wins in the league but Caley Thistle make the trip down to Glasgow on a high after last week's away win at Kilmarnock.

In Saturday's early kick-off Rangers travel through to Edinburgh to take on Hearts.

The Ibrox club hope to have Madjid Bougherra back in the squad after his recent injury lay-off. Midfielder Steve Davis is a doubt after returning to Northern Ireland following the death of his mother earlier this week.

Third-placed Hearts could close the gap on Rangers with a win and have been boosted by the news midfielder Laryea Kingston wants to sign a new contract with the club.

Falkirk host Hibernian looking to improve on last week's defeat to their Edinburgh rivals Hearts. Hibs will be in confident mood following a 4-1 mauling of Motherwell last weekend.

Hamilton take on Kilmarnock at New Douglas Park knowing a win could take them off bottom spot.

Aberdeen host Motherwell at Pittodrie looking for only their third home victory of the season. Motherwell, who were hammered by Hibs last week, know a win would see them leapfrog the Dons in the league table.

Dundee United travel to Love Street for the final time as they take on St Mirren. The home side are desperate for points, sitting just one point off the relegation place. A win for United could take them up to third if results go their way.

Fixtures (1500 GMT unless otherwise stated)

Saturday

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