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STUBBS MARCS TIME

CELTIC'S record-signing Alan Stubbs is ready at last to make his mark at Parkhead.

The ?3.5 million stopper has endured a torrid time since his move from Bolton to Glasgow 18 months ago but he reckons the arrival of fellow defender Marc Rieper will ensure the start of a new era for both men at Parkhead - starting tomorrow against Aberdeen.

Rieper signed on the dotted line last Friday in a ?1.4 million deal and made his debut less than 24 hours later in Celtic's 3-2 win over Motherwell at Fir Park.

Ironically, a horrendous error by Stubbs gifted Well's Tommy Coyne an opener and the big Scouser was blamed in some quarters for the home side's second goal.

However Stubbs is determined to look on the bright side of life now Danish ace Rieper is by his side - and he reckons the former Brondby star could play a key role in Celtic's title challenge.

'I'm sure it won't take too long for us to get things right at the back,' said Stubbs.

'I only met Marc on the Saturday morning a few hours before the game at Fir Park and we managed to do all right.

'It always takes time to develop an understanding - more so at the back - but we'll be working hard in training to do just that.

'I want to work well with Marc and he shares that view as do the rest of the team.' Stubbs insists Celtic's never-say-die attitude will be vital this season as they attempt to prevent arch rivals Rangers from clocking up their 10th title triumph in a row.

He added: 'Coming from behind twice as we did against Motherwell isn't easy to do. Call it what you like, character or guts, but it is something money can't buy. There's a lot of it in our team.

'All the top teams such as Manchester United show the same determination.

'It has possibly come to the fore for us in the past couple of games more than it did the whole of last season.

'It comes from a mutual respect from all the players to help each other out.

'We're now on a five game unbeaten run and go into every match full of confidence.

'There's not a better feeling than going into games believing that you can't be beaten. It's so important to us.' Aberdeen's display against Rangers - in which they also battled back from 2-0 down to grab a 3-3 draw - also showed team spirit does exist at Pittodrie.

Defender John Inglis, who grabbed the late equaliser, hopes the goal has convinced Roy Aitken he has a future with the club.

'The boss picks the team but I just want to make his job more difficult by performing well,' said Inglis.

Rangers travel to McDiarmid Park where Premier newcomers St Johnstone are experiencing the harsh realities of life in the top flight with just one victory.

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