CELTIC interim manager John Kennedy insists that his players are fully-focussed on beating Dundee United on Sunday afternoon - but it has nothing to do with Rangers' imminent title win.

Steven Gerrard's side are 18 points clear of the Parkhead club at the table's summit and are now only four points away from their first championship win in a decade as they prepare to host St Mirren on Saturday.

A home win at Ibrox, paired with a Celtic slip-up at Tannadice, would confirm title No.55 for the Govan club.

When Kennedy, who took his first steps into first-team management with a 1-0 home win over Aberdeen last week, was asked if delaying Rangers their glory could be an added incentive to the players, he said: "It might be, but again we can't worry about what might be going on elsewhere or how it might affect anybody else.

"We have to think about ourselves all the time and that's where we are at.

"Ultimately, Rangers are sitting in a very strong position and if we were sitting in that position, we would be feeling confident.

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"So we have to think about ourselves - face up to the season. This is the way it has been but what do we do to get moving forward and that's improve on performances and be more consistent.

"There was lots in the Aberdeen game I really liked, especially in the first half when we were slick in our play and created good opportunities, and I think if we get a second goal it is a totally different game.

"We have tried to instil more belief and confidence in ourselves as the week has gone on and we just want to show that in our performances and park what might or might not be elsewhere.

"Obviously it might be in the back of some people's heads who have been here a long time, and if that is extra motivation then great, use it for that. But ultimately it won't be a motivating factor."

Kennedy added that the recent news that the Scottish Cup is set to return after all this term would provide his players with a welcome boost.

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"It is a trophy we have had great success in in recent seasons and we are current holders," said Kennedy, who also revealed James Forrest has returned to training again following a setback after ankle surgery.

"It is great we get the opportunity, it gives us something else to attack in the season and look forward to. And going into a Scottish Cup final at the end of the season is always a great feeling and a great motivation.

"Again if there is some sort of motivation for the season now it is very much our performances and results, but when there is silverware there to be played for that makes it all the better."