HOWEVER it works out when they calculate their salaries at the end of

the season, Celtic players have at least declared their intention to

settle for nothing short of victory as they seek an end to the barren

years, writes Ian Paul.

The first-team men gathered together recently and decided that they

would refuse any bonuses for drawn matches, although their win bonus was

consequently raised slightly.

Peter Grant, one of the club's longest servants, yesterday explained

why the players came to the conclusion that only win-bonuses should be

on offer. ''We decided that if we were to get back to winning trophies,

that would mean winning matches, and we know what happened last season,

when we had about 20 draws.''

For today's meeting with Hearts at Tynecastle the side is likely to be

unchanged if Brian O'Neil recovers from injury to will continue in place

of Tony Mowbray.

Manager Tommy Burns reminded any interested parties, including Bolton,

who apparently are eager to buy him, that O'Neil is not going anywhere.

If he fails a fitness test, Barry Smith will take his place.

The Celtic manager has healthy respect for Hearts. ''They have the

Scotland defensive partnership of Craig Levein and Alan McLaren for a

start, but there are other experienced players there. It will be a

really competitive game.''

One of those will be Jim Bett, whose meanderings have taken in

Aberdeen and Rangers en route to Tynecastle, where he is on a monthly

contract. But Levein and his colleagues hope to see that arrangement

made more lasting.

Said Levein: ''His experience in midfield will be a major influence

for us. All the old passing ability is still there and the players are

sure he can make an important contribution.'' '' Hearts have a fit

squad, as John Robertson has recovered from a throat complaint.

Rangers, ahead on goal difference at the top of the table, will check

the long list of wounded this morning before naming their team to meet

Kilmarnock at Ibrox.

Richard Gough is out because of a hamstring injury, while fellow

defenders David Robertson, Dave McPherson, and Craig Moore are among

five men who will be looked at today. Stuart McCall and Gordon Durie are

also in doubt.

Ready to come in, after having recovered from a shoulder injury, is

Steven Pressley, who has asked for a transfer, but missing are two

players who have had hernia operations, Ian Ferguson and John Brown, as

well as the suspended Basile Boli.

Kilmarnock, who last season became the first team for about 18 months

to beat Rangers at Ibrox, have Robert Connor and Ray Montgomerie

doubtful. Shaun McSkimming may come in and also added to the pool is

young Jim Lauchlan.

Hibernian are likely to be unchanged for their visit to

Brockville.Striker Darren Jackson hopes that the presence of eager

youngsters like Kevin Harper, who signed a new contract during the week,

and Graeme Love will keep the others on their toes.

Falkirk will be without two strikers. Richard Cadette has gone to

Millwall for a trial period, while Frank McAvennie has joined St Mirren.

Dundee United, for the first time this season, will be unchanged as

they entertain Partick Thistle at Tannadice. Manager Ivan Golac decided

to change only the substitutes. Jim McInally is left out, while Gary

Bollan is injured. Into the squad come Christian Dailly, Chris Myers,

Mark Perry, and Grant Johnson.

Thistle must tackle United without suspended Chick Charnley and Albert

Craig.

Aberdeen fans will get their first chance to welcome back their great

favourite, Alex McLeish, when he brings his Motherwell team to

Pittodrie. McLeish looks a certain starter as Chris McCart is injured,

and he will be anxious to keep contact with the three in front of 'Well

at the head of the table.

Aberdeen will bring in Peter Hetherston for suspended playmaker Ray

McKinnon.