Football: Celtic's opportunity

CELTIC, who have lost to Hibernian, Cologne and Aberdeen in the past fortnight, have an important engagement at Parkhead today with the arrival of Partick Thistle. 'We mustn't allow ourselves to become deflated by that Skol Cup semi-final defeat by Aberdeen,' Liam Brady said.

'We are only two points off the top of the table and must pick ourselves up. If we play like we did in the last half hour against Aberdeen we must have a great chance against Cologne (in the Uefa Cup first round, second leg next week).'

The Polish defender, Dariusz Wdowczyk, who played in midweek despite two injections to ease a back injury, is almost certainly out but the big centre-back, Tony Mowbray, returns after suspension. Thistle are without recent signing Willie Jamieson, who was sent off against Aberdeen last weekend.

Rangers have a number of worries for the trip to Dundee United. Richard Gough is out for at least two weeks with a groin injury while Trevor Steven and Pieter Huistra have been struggling to shake off flu symptoms.