Mackay-Steven puts good form down to sustained run of games

Gary Mackay-Steven insists his good form is due to getting a run of games under Celtic boss Ronny Deila.

The Norwegian has chopped and changed his side this season but the wide-man has become one of the regulars which has paid dividends for him and the team.

After scoring goals in the recent wins over Inverness and Morton, the former Dundee United man assisted Leigh Griffiths and Callum McGregor for their goals in the 2-1 win over Partick at Firhill on Saturday.

The deserved victory ultimately kept the Hoops one point clear of Aberdeen at the top of the Premiership table, having played a game less than the Dons.

Speaking at Celtic Park where he was helping to publicise the Celtic FC Foundation's annual 'Zip Slide in Paradise Fundraising Event,' the 25-year-old said: "You really get into your stride when you get a sustained run in the team.

"You get your match fitness up and start feeling good about yourself and certainly I have done that and I am looking forward to the next games.

"We have a big squad here and any chance you get, you need to impress and luckily I have done that lately and it is about keeping it going.

"We all get on with each other and training is always enjoyable and obviously everyone is vying for only 11 starting spots so it is not easy.

"But you just need to enjoy it and play your own game and look to impress and that is what I have been doing."

As he prepares for the trip to Kilmarnock on Saturday, Mackay-Steven conceded that the threat from Aberdeen this season is genuine.

He said: "We are in a title fight this year, no doubt.

"Aberdeen have shown over the course of the season how strong they are and they keep winning as well so that's great for us.

"It keeps us on our toes and we welcome the challenge.

"We need to be on our game if we want to stay on top and that is what we are looking to do."