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Lomas: Celtic are worthy champions St Johnstone manager Steve Lomas insists Celtic deserve to be crowned Scottish champions regardless of a recent slump in results. Rangers' 2-1 win over Motherwell on Saturday means the Hoops will have to wait at least until next week to clinch the Clydesdale Bank Premier League title, denying them a possible championship party against Saints on Sunday. Neil Lennon's men saw an impressive undefeated run come to an end when they lost the Scottish Communities League Cup final to Kilmarnock, before suffering defeat in last week's Old Firm derby. But, as far as Lomas is concerned, Celtic will be worthy winners when they do clinch the championship. He said: "I think they are the best team and the most consistent and that's not a bad combination. "Certainly, in my eyes, they are worthy champions. "Nothing will take away from that just because they have had a couple of defeats. "You are going to have them no matter who you are. "Even the greatest teams in the world, like Man United, have little blips. Barcelona didn't score the other night, which is amazing. "Celtic are a fantastic club and a fantastic team and we're going to have to be at our best to get something from the game." On Celtic's last two defeats, Lomas added: "At the end of the day, Celtic are there on merit. "They were on a great run. "I watched the cup final and Cammy Bell had an unbelievable day and Kilmarnock took their chance when it came along and that's what you've got to do." Saints claimed victory at Parkhead earlier in the season before Lomas replaced Derek McInnes at the helm. The manager says they will again head to the east end of Glasgow without any fear, while being well aware of the size of task they face. Lomas said: "We take heart from that game, there are no two ways about it. "But we're not stupid. We've got to have 11 players at the maximum and the goalkeeper is going to have to have a good day and you have to take any chances you get when they come along. "We know that we've got to be on the top of our game for us to compete and we've probably got to have a little bit of luck along the way. "We know the size of task but we will go there with no fear. "Our away record has been excellent this season so we are going there to give Celtic a game, that's for sure." Lomas has yet to decide whether to include new signing Derek Riordan in his squad. The former Hoops and Hibernian striker completed his move to Saints on Friday on a short-term contract until the end of the season. Midfielder Murray Davidson is set to miss the trip to Parkhead with a knee injury while the Perth side will make a late decision on left-back Callum Davidson, who is still struggling with a hamstring problem. Defender Cha Du-ri and midfielder Victor Wanyama are both suspended for Celtic having been sent off in last week's Old Firm derby defeat to Rangers at Ibrox. Winger James Forrest, who missed the trip to Govan with a bruised ankle, remains a doubt.