Celtic will remain top of the SPL no matter what happens in Saturday’s Old Firm clash but midfielder Paul Hartley insists his side are still eager to win.

The champions extended their lead at the top of the table with a dogged win over an Inverness Caledonian Thistle team who refused to accept defeat until the final whistle sounded well into the 50th minute of the second half.The game itself will be memorable for little more than a tired looking Celtic clearing their lines for the last 30 minutes as Inverness made the most of a series of free kicks which allowed them to launch attacks.Shaun Maloney scored the only goal of the game after 28 minutes despite not making a clean connection with his shot from outside the box.  Maloney spend most of the afternoon away from his more effective central midfield role, so found little opportunity to display his creative talents.Scott Brown and Paul Hartley never quite got to grips with the Inverness central midfield but both defended resolutely 30 yards from their own goal to deny the Highlanders space in dangerous areas.The champions have now recorded 12 league wins in succession, turning a three point deficit into a seven point advantage.  They took one on the chin on Tuesday night but today demonstrated the character that made them champions in the first place.

Paul Hartley has added to Celtic’s injury concerns after suffering an ankle injury during Scotland’s 1-0 defeat by Argentina. The midfielder admits he could be in danger of missing the crucial Champions League clash at Aalborg on Tuesday.

Paul Hartley is a major doubt for Celtic’s clash with St Mirren after suffering an ankle injury on international duty.

Paul Hartley has backed Celtic to finally overcome their travel sickness in the Champions League when they face Danish outfit Aalborg next week.

Paul Hartley has hailed Celtic’s never-say-die attitude after they ground out a late victory against Hamilton in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League at the weekend.

A late winner from Paul Hartley saw Celtic snatch victory against Hamilton to restore their four-point lead at the top of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

Celtic midfielder Paul Hartley reckons this is the strongest squad ever amassed and has the strength and depth to cope with the rigours of the Champions League.

Paul Hartley says Celtic are capable of picking up points against Villarreal as they seek to improve their away record in Europe.

Paul Hartley is prepared to accept the squad rotation policy of Celtic boss Gordon Strachan.