Kris Commons believes Celtic are in the "ideal" position as their Clydesdale Bank Premier League title race with Rangers enters its final stages.
The Ibrox club remain one point ahead of their Old Firm rivals at the top of the SPL following last week's goalless encounter in Govan although Neil Lennon's men have a game in hand.
Commons, 27, looking forward to the home game against Dundee United on Sunday, believes the Parkhead men are now in pole position. "It's in our hands now and that's how we wanted it after the Rangers game," said the Hoops midfielder.
"So it is ideal for us. We are going into the run-in with everything to play for. There is a long way to go, a lot of points to play for but I think we are in the driving seat in that it is in our hands. It is ours to lose or win.
"Dundee United is possibly the toughest fixture, yes, but looking at the fixtures they are all going to be tough because everyone wants to beat us. We are trying to win the league so there is added pressure of needing to win rather than wanting to win. But we are in a good state of mind at the moment.
"Confidence is high, we are playing well, training has been fantastic and when push has come to shove we have shown that we have the bottle, going to places like Dundee United and Kilmarnock and winning comfortably. So there is half the job done but we still need to finish it off."
If selected, Commons will assume penalty duties again against the Taysiders after Georgios Samaras came up short at Ibrox. The former Derby player started the match against Rangers as substitute which meant he relinquished the job to the Greece striker who had his spot-kick saved by Allan McGregor.
Commons supported his team mate by saying: "Obviously he missed a penalty but I know Sammy is itching to get playing again. He put a good shift in and certainly caused them problems.
"We spoke about it before the game and I did ask what would happen if I got on. He said he was confident of putting the ball in the back of the net but sometimes things don't go to plan and to be fair their keeper pulled off a great save. But if I do know Sammy like I do, he will be wanting the ball for the next penalty."
However, asked if Samaras would be getting the ball for the next penalty, the Scotland player replied simply: "No."
Source: PA
