MY CELTIC FIRST TEAM TARGET

CELTIC winger Gary Mackay-Steven is aiming to gatecrash Ronny Deila’s first team for the vital games that are coming up fast.

The former Dundee United star has failed to hold down a starting berth in recent weeks after an unexpected dip in form.

GMS said: “No player wants to sit on the bench and I’m no different. I’ve been working hard in training and I’m ready if I get the nod. Hopefully, that will come sooner rather than later.

“The manager tells me to continue to work hard and keep doing what I’m doing. We’ve got so many games in the season that chances will come my way to play and I just need to take them.

“Our team has been doing well and when you get that chance you have to take it, but I’m loving my time here and relishing the prospect of challenging for a place and, hopefully, getting one.”

Saturday’s High Noon kick-off against Motherwell at Fir Park is now the immediate aim for the touchline flyer.

The Hoops will be the first team to take on Well since this week’s appointment of former Celt Mark McGhee as manager and Mackay-Steven expects the Lanarkshire side to put in a strong performance against the champions.

He added: “There’s no question it’ll give Motherwell a lift and they’ll maybe give an extra five per cent to impress their new manager, but we’ll treat it as any other game.

“We’ll treat everyone with respect and do our homework on them and look at their strengths and weaknesses. Hopefully, we can go there, give a professional performance and get three points.

“We’re not too concerned about other results. We’re just concentrating on ourselves and if we can do our business week in, week out we’ll be at the top at the end of the season.”