TYLER Blackett helped Celtic return to the top of the Ladbrokes Premiership then said that this time they plan to stay there for the remainder of the campaign. Things looked complicated for Ronny Deila's side back in September when Aberdeen leapfrogged them at the top of the table on the occasion of the on-loan Manchester United defender's first appearance, but since then the Pittodrie side have faltered badly while Celtic have quietly reeled off three wins from their last four matches. Having reached the summit of the Scottish game, next up for the Parkhead side is the challenge of getting the victory in Molde on Thursday night which would see them also take ascendancy in their Europa League section.
"That was definitely a harsh early lesson for me," said Blackett. "But we are definitely confident we can stay top now. That is what we are aiming for and what we have been aiming for since the start of the season. Everyone is pushing for the title and that is what we are hoping to achieve. We were focusing on our own performances anyway. We just tried to take care of things at our end and hopefully they [Aberdeen] slipped up."
Having started Celtic's last two matches in his preferred role as a left-sided centre half, Blackett would dearly love the chance to continue in that position in Norway on Thursday night. While Croatian central defender Jozo Simunovic returns to full training today, it is fully a month since either he or Charlie Mulgrew saw any competitive action. Whatever the personnel, Blackett hopes that the defensive issues which have compromised Celtic in continental action this season will not recur in Norway.
"Obviously it has been difficult for the defence when we have not had a set back four," said Blackett. "We need time to get used to each other and get used to how each other plays. But once we get that I am sure results will improve and the performances will improve. It [Molde] is a big game for the club, we are trying to get the points in Europe as well as we are in the league."
Stefan Johansen, omitted from the matchday squad against Motherwell on Saturday, is fit to return from the match, while key midfielder Nir Bitton should be passed fit despite the knock he picked up in Lanarkshire. Captain Scott Brown - who has restated his commitment to continue with Scotland - showed no ill effects following an ankle problem.
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