GERRARD WARNS HIS STRUGGLERS

STEVEN GERRARD has warned his players they cannot afford any more mistakes as he attempts to derail the Celtic juggernaut’s bid for nine in a row.

The frustrated Govan gaffer was disappointed after watching his side drop their fifth Premiership point in successive weekend outings following the 2-1 downfall against bottom side Hearts at Tynecastle and the scoreless stalemate with Aberdeen at Ibrox yesterday.

If, as expected, the Hoops overcome Hamilton Accies on the dodgy surface at the FYO stadium in this afternoon’s 12.30pm kick-off Scotland’s title kings will go SEVEN points clear at the top.

Gerrard, speaking to the Sunday Mail, admitted: “Can we afford any more slip ups? If you look at Celtic’s form, probably not.

“But I’ve been around the game long enough to know there will be more twists and turns – and, remember, there are still six points to play for in Old Firm games.”

The Liverpool legend added: “We’re missing a spark right now in the final third. Not just today, but in the four games since we came back in January.

“It’s vital that we find that quickly because as it stands we’re four points off, two draws away from Celtic. We need to try and get back to the level we were at before the break.

“That’s key, that’s the most important thing.”

An anxious Gerrard threw on loan players Ianis Hagi and Florian Kamberi, who joined the club in the past four days, from Genk and Hibs respectively, as he tried desperately to turn things around against the Dons.

The best chance, though, fell to the visitors’ Sam Cosgrove who failed to take advantage of a blunder from Nicola Katic and took a heavy touch when confronted with Allan McGregor. With a little more composure, the towering Englishman would have added to Gerrard’s woes.

* DON’T miss the unbeatable match report from Hamilton Accies v Celtic this afternoon – only in your champion CQN.