NEW Bhoy Gary Armstrong has warned Celtic they can't open the door to Aberdeen as they turn for home in the title race.

That means maintaining - or even extending - their seven-point lead when they play his first club, Inverness, at lunch-time today.

The £1.75million-January signing from Dundee United is desperate to mark his first half-season at the Hoops with a winner's medal.

And, while their team-mates are setting their sights on completing a Treble, Armstrong and another recent arrival, Gary Mackay-Steven, can only focus on the title as they are cup tied.

The law student has done his homework on what is required to suppress evidence of any late renewed challenge from second-placed Aberdeen.

His verdict is Celtic must avoid becoming guilty of complacency to make sure their bid for four-in-a-row is case proven.

He said: "For a while Aberdeen were threatening closely. But we've managed to extend the gap and still have a game in hand.

"It's never over while it's mathematically possible, but we're confident we can clinch it.

"There's no time for complacency, though. The manager wants us to go in every game and do our best to win the title."

Five wins from their final eight games would ensure Armstrong gets to hold aloft the trophy.

He hopes he will then be cheering on his team-mates as they go for the Treble in the Scottish Cup final on May 30 - provided they can beat Inverness in next weekend's semi-final.

A league medal would erase the painful memory of losing the final to St Johnstone last season, ironically at Celtic Park.

He has watched his new club lift the League Cup, and is backing them to double up in the Scottish, even if he will again be resigned to the role of spectator.

"It's a little frustrating not to be involved in the cups as they are always exciting games," said Armstrong.

"Earlier, after we arrived here, there were a lot of matches, and the cup games were a nice chance for a rest and take a step back.

"Now we've had a break, and the big games are coming up, you'd like to be involved. But that's just the way it is.

"I'm sure there will be chances next season, and there is the title this year.

"It would be quite bizarre to maybe be only be a part of one part of a Treble.

"But it's also exciting to be in a team that is capable of doing it.

"You want to fill your trophy cabinet, and winning the league title would be a great way to start."

Armstrong appreciates the contrast between the excitement around Celtic and the dismay which has engulfed his former club, United, since his move.

He is backing Jackie McNamara to pull them through. But, his main concern is building on the excellent start he has made to his Hoops career.

"The biggest difference is the expectation to win consistently," he explained.

"But every player wants to have that winning mentality come naturally, and it's good to have that drilled into you."

He added: "The Inter Milan game was an eye opener how big the support is and how noisy the ground can be.

"To play against a huge team like that, and do so well, was something to get the head around.

"The advantage of coming here in January was you get that experience and chance to settle in so that, when the qualifiers come round next season, you will look forward to it rather than be nervous."