SAMMY CLINGAN has revealed his frustration that the ongoing bonuses dispute at Kilmarnock has overshadowed their great start to the season.

Killie travel to Celtic Park tomorrow three points above their hosts in the Premiership but the main talking point this week has been the pay row, with captain Manuel Pascali even forced to deny reports the players could strike.

The Rugby Park squad are unhappy with the offer from chairman Michael Johnston but Clingan would rather the row did not dominate their build-up to games.

The midfielder said: "We want to get this sorted and get it out of the press because it has overshadowed our performances and our results on the pitch.

"We haven't had that much praise for what we've been doing. It's all been off-the-field stuff.

"We just have to concentrate on our football and hope things get sorted out."

Kilmarnock manager Allan Johnston denied his players would go on strike, saying: "I don't think the boys would do anything like that." And talking about the bonus issue, he added: "We will deal with it internally.

"The boys have not let it affect them but they've not had the credit that they all deserve."

Killie will be hoping Celtic suffer a hangover from Thursday's 2-1 win over Astra Giurgiu.

The champions have dropped home points after previous European games and Clingan said: "If we got a win it would be massive because we would go six points ahead, although Celtic have a game in hand.

"But I'm sure they will be there or thereabouts at the end of the season."

The Northern Ireland star added: "It will be a huge task because Celtic are a fantastic side. But we are full of confidence. We're going there hoping we can turn them over."