Celts doing it for themselves

Davies insists players are not relying on help towards title

Kenny Miller accepts he has to prove himself all over again as he aims to impress new Rangers manager Pedro Caixinha.

Previous manager Mark Warburton had called for the board to hand the 37-year-old attacker a new contract but Miller realises he is back at square one ahead of the Portuguese manager’s first game in charge againstHamilton at Ibrox today.

Miller was reported to be in the frame for the local coach in Caixinha’s backroom staff but Celtic have not relied on any other team so far this season and assistant manager Chris Davies insists they are not about to start now.

Brendan Rodgers’ rampant Hoops can wrap up the Premiership title against Dundee tomorrow the former Scotland international is keen to extend his playing career.

He knows he has to perform at his best if that is to happen at Ibrox beyond the summer.

“The manager has been appointed a week ago, so it’s important we get down to work and earn it,” said Miller, who is Rangers’ leading Premiership goalscorer with six goals.

“You have got to earn it, so that’s what I will be looking to do between now and the end of the with nine games to spare if second- place Aberdeen lose at home to Hearts today.

ButDavies is not keeping his fingers crossed for a Dons slip-up at Pittodrie.

The Parkhead number two said: “It’s something I’m obviously aware could happen but it’s not something we’ve spoken about or focused on.

“For that to happen it would involve us relying on someone else. But what we’ve done this season is rely purely on ourselves.

“That is what we will season. That goes for everyone, whether you have got a contract or you are out of contract. Forme, I have got to prove I amworthy of being in his team and his squad. That’s where my focus solely lies andthat starts in his firstgameon Saturday.” always do, so we are focusing on Dundee. They have had a good February and Paul Hartley was named manager of the month and rightly so.

“We know it’s going to be a really difficult game, so we’re just focusing on the game plan and how we can perform. We can control that. We can’t control (what happens) at Aberdeen.

“If it happens then great but it’s notsomething we’re worried about.”

Henrik Ojamaa wasn’t able to bask in the glory of helping Motherwell beat

Greg Docherty is hoping some “honest conversations” will help Hamilton stop leaking goals.

Accies lost 4-0 at Hearts last week after being thrashed 6-0 by Rangers in the Scottish Cup in their the previous outing

Martin Canning’s men sit only one point ahead of bottom side Inverness as they prepare to go to Ibrox again with Docherty hoping recent problems have been solved through frank dressingroom discussions.

The 20-year-old midfielder Celtic a fewyears ago, as he hadto rush away foraflight back to Estonia.

If the attacker is able to repeat the trick with Dundee tomorrow, another trip said: “To lose 10 goals in two games is never good enough.

“From our perspective that is nowhere near where we want to be. That is not theformweshould be showing.

“It has been difficult the couple of weeks.

“We have had a lot of honest conversations. It needed to be done.

“It cleared the air awee bit and we know that form is not good enough if we want to stay in this league.” to the airport beckons. But this time he would have a bit more time to celebrate. Ojamaa recalled: “At Motherwell we took six points off Celtic that season. But for the first win I couldn’t even do any post- match interviews because last I had to fly straight to Estonia for an exam the next day.

“Nicky Law drove me straight to the airport and I just about made the plane. I didn’t cram on the flight. I was already prepared.

“I actually fly on Sunday night again because I am going away with the national team for games against Cyprus away in a qualifier then Croatia at home.

“But I will have more time this time around because it’s a lunchtime game.” Motherwell midfielder Stephen Pearson believes Stephen Robinson’s demanding nature is exactly what they need.

Robinson was handed a contract until the end of next season after two games in caretaker charge and the former assistant manager begins his permanent role at home to St Johnstone today.

Pearson said: “Everyone’s delighted. The last couple of weeks has shown a real improvement in performances. He is someone the majority of the players know well, so I think it’s a good appointment.

“He is tactically very good, he has good knowledge of the game, he’s good on the training ground, he is bubblyandbright, a good character to have around the place.

“He’s demanding of the players, which is crucial. I’m sure he will be able to get the best out of the players.”

Well are understood to have spoken to the likes of Owen Coyle and Simo Valakari before making the appointment but Pearson feels continuity was the best way forward with them sitting third-bottom in the Premiership.

“It’s crucial when there are only nine games to go,” Pearson said. “It was important that the club appointed someone who knows the players, who knowswhathe is comingto work with and knows what he is dealing with.”

Steven MacLean will have more than a fortnight to wait for his next game after St Johnstone play Motherwell.

The Perth forward, who will be kept out of action by an international break and then Hamilton’s artificial pitch, wants to sign off with top six football secured.

He said: “If we can get a goodresultonSaturday top six could be sorted. It’s a big game for us. You’d think a win would be enough to get us into the top six. We did it last season with 43. We’re on 40 just now.”

“Have got to earn it, so that’s what I will be looking to do” “He is tactically very good, he has good knowledge”

Chris Davies: Focusing on Dundee