Celtic wary of McGhee's Motherwell factor

Mark McGhee will take his place in the Fir Park dugout on Saturday, having previously managed the club between 2007 and 2009.

Deila knows the Steelmen will be fired-up to impress their new manager as the Scottish champions attempt to keep up the pressure on Scottish Premiership leaders Aberdeen.

"Motherwell are always up for playing Celtic but they will have even more energy now as everyone gets excited when a new manager comes in," the Celtic manager said.

"It won't be easy for us to know what they are going to do. There will be some differences but we have to concentrate on getting a good performance ourselves, and we know we are capable of beating Motherwell.

"We need performances and we want improvement, individually and as a team. We know we have the skill to win trophies and that's what we want to do. But there is a long time to go and so much hard work is required through the whole year.

"We need to develop ourselves throughout the season and if we do that well, we have a good chance of having a good season.

"We need to concentrate on ourselves and win football games. If we do that and get the points we need then we will win in the end."

Celtic could find themselves trailing Aberdeen, who are away to Ross County on Friday, by four points by the time they take to the pitch against Motherwell.

Their cause has not been helped by a number of injuries suffered by key players while away on international duty.

Top-scorer Leigh Griffiths and winger James Forrest suffered knocks playing for Scotland while skipper Scott Brown injured his ankle on his return to training at Celtic Park.

Defenders Jozo Simunovic and Charlie Mulgrew remain sidelined but midfielder Stuart Armstrong could challenge for a starting spot after his spell out.  

Elsewhere on Saturday, Hamilton could move into the top three with victory over Dundee at New Douglas Park, Kilmarnock take on Inverness Caledonian Thistle at Rugby Park and St Johnstone welcome second-bottom Partick Thistle to McDiarmid Park.

On Sunday, new Dundee United manager Mixu Paatelainen will take his place in the home dugout at Tannadice for the first time when his side take on Hearts.

United, who sit bottom of the table with just five points from their opening 10 fixtures, are without a win since August 8.

After a flying start to the season, promoted Hearts are looking to end a run of five matches without a victory.

Fixtures (1400GMT unless otherwise stated)

Saturday

Motherwell v Celtic (1100GMT), Hamilton v Dundee, Kilmarnock v Inverness CT, St Johnstone v Partick Thistle

Sunday

Dundee United v Hearts (1115GMT)