Bhoys out to keep title race alive

Glasgow giants Celtic are now having to play catch up in the Scottish Premier League and will have to pick up all three points against Kilmarnock on Sunday to stand any real chance of beating Old Firm rivals Rangers to the title (Kilmarnock 9/1, draw 21/5, Celtic 3/10).

The Hoops suffered a huge blow to their hopes of lifting the SPL trophy in the week when they went down 3-2 to Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

Caley have been a bogie team for Celtic in recent seasons but this most recent upset could cost manager Neil Lennon and his players the title.

The defeat was not the only bad news for Lennon, as he will now have to do without Beram Kayal for the rest of the season after the talented midfielder fractured his wrist in the second half at the Caledonian Stadium.

Kayal has been an outstanding addition to the Celtic squad this season and has been praised for his performances by Lennon this term.

The Bhoys have further absentees for their trip to Kilmarnock on Sunday, as strikers Georgios Samaras and Anthony Stokes are both suspended.

Their absence will certainly be a loss for Celtic up front and they will have to rely on the likes of Kris Commons and Gary Hooper (5/2 to score the first goal) for their goalscoring options.

At the back there are more injury concerns, with Glenn Loovens out with a strain whilst Charlie Mulgrew and Mark Wilson are both doubtful for the clash at Rugby Park.

Midfielder Joe Ledley remains out of action after he picked up a hamstring injury in the Old Firm clash against Rangers which ended 0-0 at Ibrox.

Samaras had a crucial late penalty saved by Rangers keeper Alan McGregor which could be a huge turning point in the SPL title race.

Celtic cannot think of what might have been when they face Kilmarnock, who have some injury woes of their own.

Jamie Hamill is out with a hamstring problem whilst Frazer Wright and Ryan O’Leary remain out of action.

The home side will be without James Fowler who is suspended for the clash against the Old Firm giants.

Kilmarnock have not picked up a win in their last five games but did battle out a hard fought 2-2 draw with Hearts in their last outing.

The Ayrshire club remain in fifth spot in the SPL table and will be pleased with their season so far.

With Celtic suffering a host of injuries and suspensions, it will be a tough ask to go to Rugby Park and pick up three points.

However, with the likes of Hooper and Commons still available the Hoops should still secure the win and keep the SPL title race alive.

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