We must focus on ourselves not Aberdeen, says Celtic’s Stuart Armstrong
Celtic midfielder Stuart Armstrong says the Hoops have to concentrate on their own performances as they prepare to host Inverness Caledonian Thistle at Parkhead on Saturday. Nearest rivals Aberdeen, who fell to a surprise 3-1 loss to Inverness on Monday, have a chance to draw level with the Glasgow giants […]

Celtic midfielder Stuart Armstrong says the Hoops have to concentrate on their own performances as they prepare to host Inverness Caledonian Thistle at Parkhead on Saturday.

Nearest rivals Aberdeen, who fell to a surprise 3-1 loss to Inverness on Monday, have a chance to draw level with the Glasgow giants at the top of the Scottish Premiership if they can defeat Partick Thistle at Firhill on Friday.

But Armstrong, who helped his side get back to winning ways in the league with a win against Ross County last weekend, insists Aberdeen’s results will not affect the way Celtic approach the match against Inverness.

“It’s important just to keep an eye on them but we always focus on ourselves,” the midfielder said.

“That’s the way it’s always been and that’s the way it will continue.”

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Armstrong netted twice on Inverness’ last visit to Celtic Park in August when the Hoops ran out 4-2 winners.

The midfielder would be happy with a repeat performance on Saturday but knows the Highlanders will be on a high following their win over Aberdeen.

“They’ve been up and down but I saw the clips of their win over Aberdeen and it’s good that they held on to Greg Tansey in the transfer window, I think he’s a very good player,” Armstrong said.

“They’re Stuart Armstrong and it’s always difficult every time I’ve played them with Dundee United and Celtic. It’s always been tough and if you get three points, you’ve really got to earn them.”

– Griffiths targets more goals –

One player who will be gunning for Inverness is striker Leigh Griffiths, who netted his 30th goal of the season in last weekend’s win against County.

“I was brought here two years ago to score goals and that’s what I have done so far, and I won’t stop,” Griffiths said.

“My next target is 35. I will just keep playing well and if the chances keep falling my way, I will try and keep scoring goals.

“When the boys click it’s a joy to watch. It can be frustrating at times for the fans but we want to keep the ball as much as possible and make the opposition run about and when the spaces open up, we will try to exploit them.

“Inverness will be similar to Ross County. They will come and try to attack us and try and counter-attack, but if we play like that, especially as we did in the second half, I’m sure we will have no problems.”

Elsewhere on Saturday, Dundee United, who are now 13 points adrift at the bottom of the league following their 3-0 home loss to Motherwell in midweek, host high-flying Hearts at Tannadice.

SEE MORE: Celtic will respond to Aberdeen challenge, says Deila.

Kilmarnock will attempt to move out of the relegation play-off place when they welcome Dundee to Rugby Park.

Killie, who lost 2-1 at home to Rangers in their Scottish Cup fifth-round replay in midweek, will be playing their first league game since the appointment of former Huddersfield Town, Birmingham City and Blackpool boss Lee Clark as their new manager.