Hartson so important: McGeady

Celtic youngster Aiden McGeady claims John Hartson has filled the void vacated by Henrik Larsson and has warned his club of the consequences should they ever lose the Welsh striker.

Hartson took his season’s tally to 20 goals with his match-winning double in the 2-1 win over Hibernian on Saturday which lifted the champions back to the top of the Bank of Scotland Premier League.

McGeady is in no doubt it will make great business sense to ensure the forward is given a new contract soon.

Larsson’s close-season departure for Barcelona meant someone needed to start scoring the goals the Swede was no longer around to produce, and McGeady said: “John has been the most important player in our team, because he has been banging in the goals. You can always rely on him to get a goal, and he is great to have in the team.

“He has filled the void following Henrik’s departure. I don’t know how many goals he would have scored at this point, but John would not be that far behind.”

Teenage playmaker McGeady reports the Hoops are all anxious to keep Hartson in the ranks.

“We all hope he signs a new deal. It would be depressing to see him go, because he is such a big player for us,” he said.

“If we are going to get another striker that scores as many goals as John we would have to pay a lot of money.”

Gary Caldwell looked to have given Tony Mowbray’s talented youngsters what would have been a deserved point against the champions at Parkhead.

McGeady was impressed with the visitors and added: “They played football like I have never seen a Hibs team play before.

“They were the hardest opposition we have faced this season in Scotland. They came to Celtic Park and played without any fear. They were hard to play against because they kept the ball so well.

“When the defence had the ball all their players wanted it from them, and they did not panic under pressure.”

Guillaume Beuzelin was again impressive for Hibs but expressed his own admiration for McGeady.

“He was the best player and at just 18 he is very good,” said the Frenchman. “We are very disappointed because we played very well. A draw would have been a very good result for Hibs.

“We try and pass the ball around, unlike Scottish football. Tony Mowbray said it was a good experience for the players.

“There was no pressure, and we did very well – so we are disappointed.”

Dundee United slumped to the foot of the table with a home defeat to in-form Motherwell, who are sixth on the back of five consecutive wins.

Kilmarnock boss Jim Jefferies will not fine striker Colin Nish for his sending off in the 3-2 defeat at Aberdeen.

The former Dunfermline player was dismissed in the 78th minute by referee Kenny Clark for a flailing elbow which struck Dons defender Alexander Diamond in the face.

The offence, however, was deemed worthy only of a second caution by the referee – rather than a straight red card – and Jefferies does not see the need to take further action.

“I spoke to the ref after the game, and he said that Colin got a second yellow because he deemed it reckless play rather than violent conduct,” said the Killie boss.

“I have watched it on the tape since, and you can clearly see that his eye is on the ball all the time. It was just an unfortunate collision.

“We operate a strong discipline policy at the club, and if I thought he deliberately went out to elbow someone I would come down on him – but it is not appropriate in this case.”

Aberdeen are seven points clear of Hibs in third place, while Hearts are fifth after their win over Dunfermline.

Livingston youngster James McPake gave new manager Richard Gough a winning start against Dundee, who slipped to 11th.