Partick Thistle v Celtic preview: Scott Brown issues Hoops warning

Celtic captain Scott Brown has called on his team to be "wiser" ahead of their trip to take on Partick Thistle in the Scottish Premiership on Tuesday night.

The champions arrive at Firhill Stadium holding an imposing eight-point lead over second-placed Aberdeen in the table.

However, the Celtic midfielder knows the visitors will face a tough examination of their title credentials against a Partick team currently struggling down in 11th in the top flight, but who beat Ross County 2-0 at home in their last fixture before the winter break.

"It'll be a good pitch, be a good game as well," said Brown.

"A Glasgow derby's always something to look forward to.

"They had a good result the other day so I'm sure they'll have a similar team and they'll be looking forward to us coming there as well after the break that we've all had. Everyone will be fresh and it should be a good game.

"People are coming after us a little bit more than probably they were last season, so we've got to be a little bit wiser as well."

Partick boss Alan Archibald, meanwhile, has called on his players to be ruthless against Celtic.

"You've got to take your chances," he said. "They're very far and few, the chances you get against Celtic. We need to make sure we take them and make sure they work for their goals if they're going to get them.

"We did it reasonably well in the two games previously, but a couple of switch-offs in defence and they can cut you open. They've got that quality, regardless of what XI goes out.

"That's what we've learned and hopefully we can show that tomorrow night."

Team news

Partick could have Bournemouth defender Baily Cargill in their squad for Celtic's visit. The left-sided centre-back has been on loan with Fleetwood, but Thistle hope to complete the paperwork on a temporary move.

Gary Fraser, Stuart Bannigan (both knee) and Christie Elliott (ankle) remain on the sidelines while defender Danny Devine again misses out through suspension. Kevin Nisbet has joined Dumbarton on loan.

Meanwhile, Leigh Griffiths returns to the Celtic squad. The striker missed the weekend William Hill Scottish Cup win over Brechin City with an ankle knock.

Marvin Compper (calf strain), Jonny Hayes (broken leg), Tom Rogic, Anthony Ralston (both knee) and Patrick Roberts (hamstring) remain out.

Opta stats

Partick have picked up just one point from a possible 63 available in games against Celtic in the Scottish Premiership (P21 W0 D1 L20), scoring just eight goals in those matches.

Celtic have won all 12 of their trips to Partick in the Scottish Premiership by an aggregate score of 33-6.

The Jags, who have conceded more goals than any other side in the Scottish Premiership this season (37), have kept two clean sheets in their last three games in the division (W2 L1), as many as they had managed in their opening 19 league fixtures of the season.

Celtic have followed up their first league defeat of the season (4-0 away at Hearts) with four consecutive clean sheets in the Scottish Premiership (W3 D1), their best defensive run since November 2016 when they kept a sixth straight shutout.

Despite being goalless in his last five league games, Blair Spittal has been directly involved in 37% of Partick's 19 goals in the Scottish Premiership this season (four goals, three assists); only Kilmarnock's Kris Boyd (40%) has had a hand in a larger proportion for his side.