Celtic aim for winning return

The Hoops make the trip to New Douglas Park having being held to a goalless draw by Hearts last weekend before surrendering a two goal lead in their 2-2 Europa League match with Fenerbahce on Thursday.

The Glasgow giants could find themselves trailing Aberdeen by seven points by the time they face Hamilton if the league leaders can defeat St Johnstone on Saturday.

However, Deila insists he is solely focussed on improving his side's performances as he attempts to lead them to a fifth league title in a row.

"It's very important we keep winning but we want a performance out there. Lately, offensively, we have looked more dangerous.

"We've created a lot of chances and if we continue playing at that level we know we're going to get results," the Celtic manager said.

"It's the same things every year and every week. We need to win and play good. That's what we want to do. Whatever Aberdeen is doing, that's up to them. We have to be consistent and get results and in the end we can be champions."

The weekend match comes almost a year to the day since Hamilton defeated the Hoops 1-0 to claim their first win at Celtic Park since 1937.

The Celtic manager said the match wasn't one of his fondest memories of his debut season in charge of the Hoops.

"It wasn't the best day in my life," Deila admitted. "It was a tough day but you have some days in football like that. I remember we had 12 big chances in that game and didn't score. That happens sometimes so you have to see it with a longer perspective.

"In the end we won the league by 17 points. We have played nine games out of 38 so far so it's very early to talk about winning or losing the league.

"We know what our goals are and we’re going to fight to the last point to get in front of everybody else."

Celtic will be without defender Efe Ambrose, at fault for the first Fenerbahce goal on Thursday, for the clash with Hamilton due to suspension following his red card against Hearts.

Emilio Izaguirre, who missed out on the Europa League clash as he served a ban, is back in contention while Charlie Mulgrew and Jozo Simunovic are doubts.

Hamilton could move to within one point of the Scottish champions with a win at New Douglas Park and player-manager Martin Canning is hopeful midfielder Darian MacKinnon will return from an ankle knock.

Fixtures (1500 unless otherwise stated)

Saturday

Aberdeen v St Johnstone

Dundee v Motherwell

Hearts v Kilmarnock

Partick Thistle v Dundee United

Ross County v Inverness Caledonian Thistle

Sunday

Hamilton v Celtic (1230)