Ki keen to claim top spot

Midfielder Ki Sung-yueng admits Celtic need to show a stronger mentality against Kilmarnock on Tuesday night to move top of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

Celtic were heading for top spot when they went 2-0 ahead against Inverness in their most recent match on November 27, but the Highlanders stunned them with two late goals.

The Hoops will go top on goal difference if they beat Killie, and Ki said: "We always get the chance to go top but we always miss the chance. We have to be mentally stronger. This is our home game and we have to win for the fans as well."

Kilmarnock continued their impressive form with a 2-1 victory over Hibernian on Saturday, while Celtic endured a third consecutive weekend without a game.

"It's going to be an advantage for them because they have played," Ki said. "It is a concern that we've not played for three or four weeks.

"But our players have enough quality and if we do what we do normally I think we can beat them.

"We have been able to prepare mentally and physically. We have had enough rest so we will be full of energy.

"The last two games we didn't play well enough. We drew two home games, which means this break has been a benefit. We've been able to think about that we've done wrong."

Celtic manager Neil Lennon is one of many people who have been impressed with Mixu Paatelainen's side this season.

"Mixu has done a very good job," Lennon said. "He has brought in some gifted players and they play in a way that seems to suit them and it's easy on the eye, which is probably something you couldn't have thrown at Kilmarnock over the past few seasons."