Niall McGinn wants two victories over Rangers

NIALL McGinn accepts two Old Firm victories are likely to be required if Celtic are to overcome Rangers in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League title race.

Tony Mowbray's side fell ten points behind the Ibrox side at the top of the SPL after losing 2-1 to Hibernian at Parkhead on Wednesday, the Easter Road side's breakaway winner coming seconds from the end through substitute Danny Galbraith.

Celtic have a game in hand against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park, and have the opportunity to close the gap further in the two remaining games against Rangers, who have taken four points from the first two clashes between the teams this season despite being outplayed in both games.

McGinn said: "The players were on a downer after the Hibs game, it was a killer goal to lose at the end. Our confidence was high after the win over St Johnstone last weekend and we played really well against Hibs for the first 20-25 minutes.

"We had chances to tie the game up and I had the chance myself that I should have scored. It was a great knock down from Georgios but it was a good save from their keeper. So it was so disappointing to lose the late goal.

"We have to keep plugging away and hopefully the gap doesn't get much better. But we have a game in hand and still two games to play against Rangers. And, realistically, the only way we can close the gap is if we win our game in hand and those two games against Rangers.

"Thankfully, we get the chance to put things right against Hamilton on Saturday."