A looming Old Firm tie makes that which was indistinct draw into sharp focus.

The remaining months of this campaign offer Celtic the opportunity for some kind of salvation.

A season that was tarnished in the early weeks when failure to qualify for the Uefa Champions League set the tone for what has been an uninspiring term during which Celtic have flat-lined domestically and in Europe.

The opportunity now rests with them to finish the season on a far brighter note.

Ten league games gives them the chance to hammer home their credentials for a fifth successive title and see off the challenge of Aberdeen.

But while the Pittodrie side have always been regarded as rank outsiders for the title with few Hoops fans genuinely believing the league could be lost, the fear of losing to a Rangers side that Celtic have lorded over since the Ibrox side went into administration is far more stark.

Between now and mid-April when the teams go head-to-head at Hampden, Ronny Deila needs to find his match-winners, his best players and have them playing at a level that has only been glimpsed this season.

Scott Brown was re-introduced to the fray when Celtic lost to Aberdeen at Pittodrie at the beginning of February after a three-month absence.

The skipper was back earlier than anticipated, but he has never quite hit the level he has set for himself in recent seasons since his return.

Deila has acknowledged as much. It was the presence and energy that Brown brings to Celtic that encouraged his manager to throw him back in but over the next few weeks, the Norwegian expects to see Brown return to the level he has come to expect from him.

“He was out for three months and although he is naturally very fit, it probably takes about six weeks before you can really expect to see him fully match sharp,” said Deila.

“You could say that maybe he went back into the team early but he has a certain personality that inspires those around them. It was that which we wanted to have on the pitch because he is a winner. He leads by example.

“I have said before that he is Mr Celtic and I mean it. He lives and breathes to win and we want that energy to rub off on everyone.

“He has had a month or so back in and over the next few weeks I think you will see him get back to his best.”

Meanwhile, Gordon Strachan will name the squads for the forthcoming friendlies against the Czech Republic and Denmark at the end of this month.

As Strachan looks ahead to lay the foundations for the qualifying campaign for the World Cup qualifiers, Leigh Griffiths is expected to be given an opportunity to stake his claim.

The striker netted his 34th goal of the season on Sunday as Celtic eased past Morton and into the semi-final of the William Hill Scottish Cup.

He has underlined his credentials to lead the line for his country now and Deila has revealed that Griffiths’ stats this season have surprised him.

“I always felt that he would be able to hit the 30-goal a season mark,” said the Celtic boss. “But he really turned things around. His whole attitude and approach is different and he has had his rewards for that.

“He has surprised me but his ability has not been a surprise. I am pleased for him.

“He has done it at every level for us this season. The next step is do it for his country. It benefits us if he goes and plays at that level too. Every player who experiences international football is playing at the highest level possible.

“It develops your all-round play, your thinking, your approach and we want players who are at that level.”

Meanwhile, Aberdeen are in action this evening at Firhill. The Dons have the chance to cut the gap at the top of the table to just one point and Deila will keep a close eye on proceedings.

“We will have someone at the game so I will get updates,” he said. “We know Partick Thistle are a good team too and we play them this weekend.

“At this stage of the season it is not so much about watching other teams because we know what they can do but about getting the best out of our own team.

“That is the challenge now over the next ten games.

“But I believe in my team. I have winners in my dressing room and I believe that they have the hunger to go out and prove they are good enough.”