Gary Mackay-Steven admits to poor form for Celtic

GARY Mackay-Steven has admitted that his form has not been good enough too earn a slot in Celtic’s starting line-up.

Celtic's Gary Mackay-Steven and Jack Hamilton of Hearts pose with the League Cup yesterday. Picture: Jeff Holmes

However, the former Dundee United winger fully believes he can become a key player in a massive phase of matches on three fronts over the next fortnight which can shape the Parkhead side’s season.

The Scottish champions face Motherwell, Dundee United and Aberdeen in their next three league matches with a trip to Norway to take on Molde in the Europa League and a visit to Tynecastle in the quarter-finals of the League Cup interspersed between these games.

Mackay-Steven’s last Premiership start was in the 2-1 defeat by Aberdeen on September 12 and he has yet to score a goal this season. With competition intense for the wide positions he knows he has a fight on his hands to displace the likes of Kris Commons or James Forrest.

Speaking at the unveiling of Utilita Energy as the new League Cup sponsors, he said: “I feel my levels have not been what I want them to be. I feel there’s a lot more to come, but I’m fit, I’m healthy, I’m feeling good so I am quite content that I will show what I can do in the coming weeks.

“We have got a strong squad at Celtic and the boys who have been playing have been doing well so you just need to keep your head down in training and when you get the chance take it. I am confident I will do that.

“We have got a squad of over 20 and everyone has got quality in their respective positions. But it is a great challenge to have. If you let your levels drop you will be out of the team. But I know what I can do and I am feeling really good fitness wise so there is no reason why I won’t be back in there.

“You need to be in, you want to be creating goals and you want to be scoring goals all the time. If you have a few games where you don’t do that questions get asked of you probably more than anyone else. But you need to take it on the chin and keep working hard. There are a lot of games coming up and the manager has stressed that as well. Every member of the squad is valuable when we have got two or three games a week. Players need a rest and players come in. It is just a case of taking your chance and being ready for it.”