Paterson unafraid of injury-stricken Celtic

Steve Paterson, the Aberdeen manager, has urged his side to show no fear when Celtic visit Pittodrie this afternoon. Paterson believes the example of Motherwell in their games against the Old Firm this season can act as all the inspiration his side need.

Paterson said: "I'm a believer that everybody can lose on their day. We've seen that with Motherwell this season who have beaten both halves of the Old Firm." Paterson has doubts over Darren Young, who is struggling with a calf injury and Laurent D'Jaffo, who has a shin problem.

The Celtic manager, Martin O'Neill, is waiting on the fitness of John Hartson, Henrik Larsson and Didier Agathe, while Neil Lennon, with hamstring problems and Rob Douglas (calf injury) are ruled out.

At Tynecastle, Hearts are hopeful that Andy Kirk (dead leg) and Phil Stamp (calf strain) will be fit for the Edinburgh derby against Hibernian.

Ian Murray is set to return to Hibs' defence after being rested for the win over Aberdeen. Nick Colgan returns from suspension, but might not displace Tony Caig in goal.

Steven Thompson makes his Rangers debut against Dundee after moving for a nominal fee on yesterday's opening of the transfer window. Billy Dodds went the other way, rejoining Dundee United, the club he left in December 1999 to go to Ibrox for £1.3m.

With the League leaders set to head off to Dubai for a winter camp, manager Alex McLeish said : "I would love us to be able to stay top heading into the winter shutdown and, if we can do that, we can give ourselves a pat on the back."