Lambert ignites Celtic

Paul Lambert's decision to close the chapter of his career entitled "Scotland" has almost certainly helped Celtic close the book on the Scottish Premier League title race.

The inspirational captain underlined at Rugby Park on Saturday night that sparing himself from interational duty throughout the autumn has left enough in the tank to help him fuel the Scottish champions' winter of content.

With the odds lengthening every week on a comeback, Rangers desperately needed their Old Firm rivals to stumble at Kilmarnock, just as they had in the past. Lambert, however, helped Celtic ride out Kilmarnock's storm of pressure before supplying the goal which sealed the 2-0 victory.

A deft piece of skill saw him lob the home defence before volleying past Gordon Marshall on the hour, killing off Kilmarnock who had gone behind, against the run of play, when John Hartson's 50th minute penalty broke the deadlock.

Celtic remain 13 points ahead, with 15 games left, but it is no wonder that Martin O'Neill is now desperately trying to persuade Lambert, 32, not to hang up his boots when his contract ends in June 2003.

"If I can stay free of injury, then maybe I can stay longer," reflected Lambert. "But I would not want to stay beyond my time and fool people by taking money if I was not fit. I have another season left, so I am in no hurry to make a decision."

Lambert, though, refuses to countenance a comeback for his country, regardless of who succeeds Craig Brown as manager. "No, I won't change that decision. I enjoyed my time but it is better to let younger players get a chance."

Claudio Caniggia, however, is praying for an international recall at the age of 34. Argentina's one-time golden boy struck twice in Rangers' 3-0 defeat of Livingston and admitted he would love the chance to do the same to England.

"If I keep scoring goals for Rangers, then hopefully it will give me a chance of going to the World Cup," said Caniggia. "I did not play in any of the qualification games but I have been told there is one striker's place available. I hope word gets back to Marcello Bielsa, our coach, about how I am performing."

Hearts moved into fourth place, changing places with Aberdeen, whom they beat 3-1 at Tynecastle Stadium, but Hibernian slumped to second bottom place after losing 1-0 at Dundee and manager Franck Sauzée will punish Freddy Arpinon, who was sent off for spitting at Temuri Ketsbaia. "We are in a bad situation," confessed Sauzée.