CELTIC manager Tommy Burns is close to settling new contracts with

some of the players whose current deals end this summer, but he is not

optimistic about signing a new player before the end of the month, when

the transfer deadline is reached.

''It could still happen, but it is difficult when teams don't want to

let players go at this stage of the season,'' he said.

Those seeking new deals include Brian O'Neil, Tony Mowbray, Mark

McNally, and Paul McStay. ''I would hope to have them sorted out within

the next week or so. It is not something we have been chasing every day,

but we have had talks with two or three of the players.''

McNally has been on a monthly-contract basis all season, but McStay is

coming to the end of a long contract, while Mowbray has already

indicated he wants to stay.

O'Neil is suspended for the next two games and Burns brings in McNally

and Rudi Vata to the squad to face Partick Thistle at Hampden.

Vata, the versatile Albanian, has not had a chance to show his worth

to the manager but could come into O'Neil's place but there are other

options, like McNally, or even a switch for Tommy Boyd with Peter Grant

moving to full back.

Grant was left out of the midfield in the cup-tie last week for

tactical reasons, but Burns would not say whether he would be recalled.

He has seen a fresh buoyancy in the dressing room since the cup win

over Kilmarnock. ''The atmosphere the supporters created, and the fact

that we won, has given the players a fantastic lift,'' he said, ''and

they know there is a lot to play for yet. As well as the cup semi-final

to come, we are only a point behind Hibs and we want to finish the

season with a flourish.''

He appreciates the determination being shown by Thistle as they chase

survival points. ''They work hard for each other and make it difficult

for any team.''

Thistle should have everybody available from the midweek draw with

Motherwell, although Wayne Foster has been recovering from a virus.

Manager John Lambie, who admitted during the week that his players were

a bit leg-weary after the succession of tough games they have faced,

will think about changes if only to bring in fresher legs.

Rangers manager Walter Smith, who would not comment on any of the

speculation about players he is intending to sign, has Trevor Steven and

Alex Cleland fit again, but Craig Moore and Charlie Miller are

suspended. He is not interested in revenge talk about Hearts, their

conquerors in the cup. ''The only motivation we need is the

championship. That should enough for anybody.''

Hearts will still be without suspended Craig Levein, but Jim Bett is

back after his ban, while Kevin Thomas and Brian Hamilton face fitness

tests. The match is subject to an inspection at 9am.

Aberdeen take on Hibs at Pittodrie as they continue to battle against

relegation, but the good news for caretaker manager Roy Aitken is that

he has his most experienced pool available since he took over. Striker

Duncan Shearer is fit again, and defender John Inglis back after

suspension.

''The situation we are in will be a test of character and requires

experience,'' said Aitken. ''I will be looking for the older players to

handle it. At our best, we are as good as any team in the country but so

far have not been nearly consistent enough.''

Hibs will have Pat McGinlay back after suspension.

Kilmarnock and Falkirk could put on the best show of the day, if their

3-3 draw the last time they met is a guide. Killie will have Tom Brown

back after suspension while Falkirk will have David Weir and Paul

McGrillen available after their enforced absences.

Dundee United also are in the danger zone, and caretaker manager

Gordon Wallace's first test is at Fir Park against second-top

Motherwell.

Fir Park manager Alex McLeish was due back from Holland last night

after having watched PSV Eindhoven defender Michel van der Gaag, whom he

hopes to sign for #400,000. With Chris McCart out for two weeks at least

after a cartilage operation, McLeish might want the Dutchman quicker

than he had planned.

* A touch of independence the best Bett -- Page 28.

Pitch inspections

PREMIER division -- Hearts v Rangers, 9am. First division -- Hamilton

v Dunfermline, 9.30am. Second division -- Dumbarton v Berwick, 10am.

Third division -- Ross County v Montrose, 8am.