Murphy wants top spot before Ibrox showdown

Daryl Murphy wants Celtic to grab their chance to go top of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League against Hamilton tomorrow and hold on to it before the trip to Ibrox on January 2.

Rangers could have gone five points clear of their Old Firm rivals last week with a win at Inverness but could only draw 1-1 against the Highlanders, leaving them just three points ahead of the Hoops.

With the Light Blues‘ game against St Mirren at Ibrox tomorrow postponed due to frozen and burst pipes, Celtic can leapfrog them with a win at New Douglas Park, courtesy of their superior goal difference.

The Celtic striker is hoping the Parkhead men, who have dropped points in their last two matches against Dundee United and Inverness, can take advantage of the potential turnaround.

“We are thankful that the result (at Inverness) went our way, it wouldn’t have been nice to have been that far behind,” the Irishman said.

“The Hamilton game is a massive incentive for us.

“Any team going into a game knowing that if you win you will go top – well, you can’t ask for any more than that.

“However, we just have to win our games and not worry about other teams.”