Wilson can smell Celtic's team spirit

Celtic full-back Mark Wilson believes that the feeling of togetherness at Parkhead is driving them to an improved title challenge.

Clydesdale Bank Premier League leaders Celtic yesterday restored their five-point advantage over Rangers ahead of the latest Old Firm derby with a 3-1 victory at Dundee United.

Celtic were almost out of the title race at this stage last year under Tony Mowbray but look like lasting the pace with Neil Lennon in charge.

Wilson, who joked he was chasing Lionel Messi for the Golden Boot after netting his second goal in three games, said: "We are closer together, all the boys get on with each other and no doubt the coaching staff have made a massive improvement.

"The boys love playing for them and that definitely shows on the pitch. We needed a win, it would have been a bit of a nightmare had we not won and momentum swings back in Rangers' favour. It shows we are up for the fight and we're winning these hard games."

Celtic went two up through deflected first-half strikes from Anthony Stokes and Wilson before David Goodwillie pulled one back, but Daniel Majstorovic's diving header in the 78th minute settled the result.