Celtic boss cools relevance of Old Firm clash

Tony Mowbray has played down the importance of the forthcoming Old Firm game to Celtic's Scottish Premier League title hopes.

Celtic are four points behind Rangers with both sides having two games each before their January 3 meeting at Parkhead.

"For us, the Old Firm game is just another three points to keep our total running," the Celtic boss said.

"It would be nice to go top and we want to be top from start to finish but that's not the case, it tends to change hands.

"It has been an interesting week. By the time we finished beating Motherwell we were five points clear but by the time we finished our next game against Hearts we were four behind.

"That's the swings and roundabouts you can get at the moment when the games come at different times.

"It would be nice to go in to the Old Firm game in a positive frame of mind having won a couple of games and knowing that if we did win that match it would give us the opportunity (to go top).

"But I don't think January 3 is of much significance in terms of where things are going to be in May.

"Rangers have some big games coming up and they will be looking to take maximum points as always, so we will see.

"We are just looking back to get back to winning ways as quickly as possible.

"If we can win the three games we will be closer I'm pretty sure."