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Scottish Premiership: Adam Matthews confident Celtic's title challenge will soon gather pace

Adam Matthews: Celtic defender is available for selection on Tuesday
Image: Adam Matthews: Played his part in previous title triumphs

Adam Matthews insists Celtic only need to look at past title wins for proof of how they can close the gap at the top of the Scottish Premiership.

The defending champions have slipped to sixth place, six points behind leaders Hamilton after the recent 1-0 home defeat against the Accies.

In my first season, we won the league and we were 15 points behind at one stage, but just after Christmas we were one point ahead.
Adam Matthews

But full-back Matthews has plenty experience of dramatic titles races during his three-year spell at the Glasgow club.

He recalls how the Hoops closed a much larger gap on Rangers in the 2011/12 campaign.

Team spirit

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"The main thing is to have a good team spirit,” Matthews told the Celtic View. "In my first season, we won the league and we were 15 points behind at one stage, but just after Christmas we were one point ahead.

"A big turning point was the game at Kilmarnock. Being 3-0 down at half-time, people felt that was it and we were going to be 18 points behind in the league so it may have been too much.

"But getting the three goals in the second half and getting the draw gave us a boost of confidence that we could go on a good run and that's what happened.

"So you need to have a good team spirit and stay together. That team were good at doing that and I'm sure this one can be as well."

Ronny Deila has endured a difficult start to his reign at Celtic, with the club also failing to qualify for the Champions League, but the Norwegian is refusing to panic about their inconsistent form.

Every time we lose, especially the next day, the atmosphere isn't great and we are all a bit quiet and down.
Adam Matthews

Matthews has echoed the opinion of his manager and believes there is plenty of time to turn around the team’s fortunes.

Atmosphere

"Every time we lose, especially the next day, the atmosphere isn't great and we are all a bit quiet and down,” said Matthews, who is currently sidelined with a groin injury.

"Overall, though, the boys are upbeat and are looking good in training. In parts of the game against Hamilton, we looked like a good team, but we just need to do that for the full 90 minutes, and if we can do that then we can go on a long unbeaten run.

"It's a bad start for us but with the players we have, we can put a good run together and I'm sure we can climb back up the league. We just need to keep calm, keep doing what we are doing in training and then do that when we play at the weekend."

Watch Celtic return to domestic action against Ross County this Saturday live on Sky Sports 3 from 12.30pm

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