Celtic defender Gary Caldwell has refuted suggestions that the Hoops are a team in decline as they head into Saturday's Old Firm derby.The Scottish champions are aiming for their third consecutive title but rivals Rangers boast a three-point lead, and a game in hand, ahead of the clash at Ibrox.

Caldwell freely admits Rangers are a much-improved outfit this season but claims Celtic are just as strong as they were when winning back to back championships.

"I think we've both got better and improved and that can only be good for Scottish football," he said.

"The Champions League results, and the way Rangers are going in the UEFA Cup, proves that we are both better teams and that's good for the Scottish game."

Caldwell is well aware that defeat is not an option as Celtic attempt to blow the title race wide open.

He said: "Every footballer has a desire to win football matches.

"These games are always pretty fast and it's maybe about who can keep their head and play their football and take their chances when they come along.

"Rangers are top of the league on merit, they are ahead of us and we have to try to catch them."

Caldwell was one of four Celtic players involved in Scotland's midweek friendly over Croatia while Rangers withdrew as many players from the clash at Hampden through injury.

The quartet of absentees are now expected to report fit for today's game but Caldwell insisted: "I don't think there is any advantage or disadvantage in terms of the players who didn't play.

"They obviously had niggling injuries that they had to look after. I don't think it affects who plays better and who wants to win on the day.

"It's a great honour any time you are asked to play for your country and I would always look forward to it rather than worry about the league game at the weekend.

"It's another cap and it was a positive result. So I think you can come back to your club feeling confident and look forward to the league game rather than just be sitting about all week.

"You get the job done and get a positive result and then you turn your attention to Saturday."

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