Celtic boss Gordon Strachan has vowed to throw long-term injury victim Shaun Maloney back into the fold as the SPL title race hots up.

Strachan's men can move four points ahead of Old Firm rivals Rangers on Saturday when they entertain Aberdeen 24 hours before Walter Smith's troops travel to Hibernian.

Former Aston Villa winger Maloney has been sidelined for four months with a problematic hamstring injury but Strachan insists the 26-year-old is now ready to be unleashed.

"Shaun will play a part in the run-in, there no doubt about that, said Strachan. "We don't have time to be careful with him now."

Rangers boss Smith could welcome back disgraced Scotland duo Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor for the trip to Easter Road after previously stating their future at Ibrox looked bleak.

Rock-bottom Falkirk entertain Europa League-chasing Hearts with Michael Higdon as the Bairns' only fit striker.

Richie Foran and Pavels Mihadjuks have shaken off knocks and should be fit for fellow-strugglers Inverness as they take on Hamilton at Caledonian Stadium.

Motherwell skipper Stephen Craigan is back after a two-game lay-off with a calf injury to lead his team out against St Mirren while former Sunderland striker Kevin Kyle will start up front for Dundee United against Kilmarnock.