Celtic will turn their focus back to their bread and butter in the Scottish Premiership when Ross County make the journey to Glasgow’s east end this weekend.
During the week, a 1-1 draw for the Bhoys at home to Club Brugge has kept their hopes of Champions League progression firmly alive after a spirited comeback against the Belgian Pro League holders.
Nevertheless, Brendan Rodgers and company know they have a chance to heap the pressure on Aberdeen by moving five points clear of the Dons before Jimmy Thelin’s side face Hearts the following day.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 1 |  CelticCeltic | 12 | 11 | 1 | 0 | 35 | 4 | 31 | 34 |
| 2 |  AberdeenAberdeen | 13 | 10 | 2 | 1 | 28 | 15 | 13 | 32 |
| 3 |  RangersRangers | 12 | 7 | 2 | 3 | 17 | 9 | 8 | 23 |
| 4 |  Dundee UtdDundee Utd | 13 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 19 | 14 | 5 | 20 |
Ross County stand in their way following two wins in their last five encounters, placing the Highland-based outfit eight in the Scottish Premiership standings.
While talk of the Bhoys’ European endeavours has been the theme of this week, Alistair Johnston has made it known in no uncertain terms that his side are determined to make their mark across all competitions.
Alistair Johnston on Celtic’s Scottish Premiership aspirations
Speaking to The Daily Record, Johnston has sent out a warning to Celtic’s domestic rivals as they look to continue an unbeaten start in the Scottish Premiership this campaign. He also looked forward to the Bhoys’ trip to face Dinamo Zagreb in mid-December.
He stated: “It’s goes hand in hand. You know if you do well domestically, you give yourself a chance. If we hopefully win the league this year, you still have to qualify.
“But these kinds of nights give you extra motivation for the league because you want to be here next year.
“We have so many games, it’s just match after match, so it’s going to be a busy spell. We have such a good squad here though it’s an exciting period and we’re all looking forward to it. Zagreb is a couple of weeks away, so we are focused on County this weekend.
“We have the confidence in the group no matter the game or how hostile the environment – which I’m guessing it’s going to be crazy over there. Then we are ready for anything that’s thrown at us. It’s an exciting match.”
Celtic full steam ahead as the festive period approaches
Festive cheer is around the corner and Celtic have a raft of exciting matches to look forward to that could help shape the destiny of their season.
Pushing ahead in the hunt for a fourth successive league title will take precedence, while their quest for a Champions League playoff berth and the small matter of a Premier Sports Cup final against Rangers to come make for compelling reading.
Apart from a defeat in Dortmund, Celtic have been imperious so far across all competitions, which is a trend they have designs on continuing for as long as possible.
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