Allan ready for Celtic starting role

Celtic midfielder Scott Allan has spread his first 90 minutes for the club over five matches - but he now feels ready to start for the first time.

The 24-year-old has come off the bench in the last three games after a knee injury hindered him following his deadline-day move from Hibernian.

And, with the likes of Scott Brown and Charlie Mulgrew injured, Allan aims to stamp his authority on the team, starting with the Premiership visit of Hamilton on Saturday.

Allan said: "I obviously got a setback with a six-week injury but I have come back and worked hard on the training pitch. We have a few injuries so there are a few spaces available so given the chance I just need to try to make it my own.

"I'm feeling good fitness-wise considering I haven't played much. The intensity in training gives you a good fitness level.

"I think now I'm ready, if the gaffer wants to give me the chance I will do my best and hopefully put on a show for the fans and repay him.''

Allan has been using his time on the sidelines to consider the changes he needs to make to his game to have a successful Celtic career.

"When I came here I knew defensively I would need to get back and help out, which I have tried to add to my game, and have a good work ethic when we lose the ball,'' said Allan, who was in Govan along with some Celtic team-mates to hand out Christmas presents to patients at Glasgow's new Royal Hospital for Children.

The former Dundee United and West Brom player discovered the fine margins of life at the top level against Ajax last Thursday.

He could have been the hero when his sublime turn and through ball put Leigh Griffiths through, but the striker failed to convert.

And, 10 minutes later, Allan lost the ball on the edge of the Ajax box after collecting a short corner, and watched as the Dutch side broke clear to score the winner.

"Getting caught on the edge of the box wasn't ideal but you need to bounce back from things like that,'' he said.

"It was a learning curve for me and I won't make that mistake again.''