HOWEVER it works out when they calculate their salaries at the end of
the season, Celtic players have at least declared their intention to
settle for nothing short of victory as they seek an end to the barren
years, writes Ian Paul.
The first-team men gathered together recently and decided that they
would refuse any bonuses for drawn matches, although their win bonus was
consequently raised slightly.
Peter Grant, one of the club's longest servants, yesterday explained
why the players came to the conclusion that only win-bonuses should be
on offer. ''We decided that if we were to get back to winning trophies,
that would mean winning matches, and we know what happened last season,
when we had about 20 draws.''
For today's meeting with Hearts at Tynecastle the side is likely to be
unchanged if Brian O'Neil recovers from injury to will continue in place
of Tony Mowbray.
Manager Tommy Burns reminded any interested parties, including Bolton,
who apparently are eager to buy him, that O'Neil is not going anywhere.
If he fails a fitness test, Barry Smith will take his place.
The Celtic manager has healthy respect for Hearts. ''They have the
Scotland defensive partnership of Craig Levein and Alan McLaren for a
start, but there are other experienced players there. It will be a
really competitive game.''
One of those will be Jim Bett, whose meanderings have taken in
Aberdeen and Rangers en route to Tynecastle, where he is on a monthly
contract. But Levein and his colleagues hope to see that arrangement
made more lasting.
Said Levein: ''His experience in midfield will be a major influence
for us. All the old passing ability is still there and the players are
sure he can make an important contribution.'' '' Hearts have a fit
squad, as John Robertson has recovered from a throat complaint.
Rangers, ahead on goal difference at the top of the table, will check
the long list of wounded this morning before naming their team to meet
Kilmarnock at Ibrox.
Richard Gough is out because of a hamstring injury, while fellow
defenders David Robertson, Dave McPherson, and Craig Moore are among
five men who will be looked at today. Stuart McCall and Gordon Durie are
also in doubt.
Ready to come in, after having recovered from a shoulder injury, is
Steven Pressley, who has asked for a transfer, but missing are two
players who have had hernia operations, Ian Ferguson and John Brown, as
well as the suspended Basile Boli.
Kilmarnock, who last season became the first team for about 18 months
to beat Rangers at Ibrox, have Robert Connor and Ray Montgomerie
doubtful. Shaun McSkimming may come in and also added to the pool is
young Jim Lauchlan.
Hibernian are likely to be unchanged for their visit to
Brockville.Striker Darren Jackson hopes that the presence of eager
youngsters like Kevin Harper, who signed a new contract during the week,
and Graeme Love will keep the others on their toes.
Falkirk will be without two strikers. Richard Cadette has gone to
Millwall for a trial period, while Frank McAvennie has joined St Mirren.
Dundee United, for the first time this season, will be unchanged as
they entertain Partick Thistle at Tannadice. Manager Ivan Golac decided
to change only the substitutes. Jim McInally is left out, while Gary
Bollan is injured. Into the squad come Christian Dailly, Chris Myers,
Mark Perry, and Grant Johnson.
Thistle must tackle United without suspended Chick Charnley and Albert
Craig.
Aberdeen fans will get their first chance to welcome back their great
favourite, Alex McLeish, when he brings his Motherwell team to
Pittodrie. McLeish looks a certain starter as Chris McCart is injured,
and he will be anxious to keep contact with the three in front of 'Well
at the head of the table.
Aberdeen will bring in Peter Hetherston for suspended playmaker Ray
McKinnon.
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