McNamara: No motivation needed

The Tangerines have had to endure a tough spell of late and last weekend's 1-0 league defeat at Aberdeen came after they had ended a 10-game winless streak at home to Hamilton the previous weekend.

United are still fourth but their form of late has taken the shine off what had looked a very promising season as recently as January, but McNamara sees no better time than to start getting results again than when Ronny Deila's champions-elect roll up on Tayside for this weekend's televised meeting.

McNamara said: "It's got the makings of a very good game.

"They don't come much bigger than Celtic at home.

"We know what's at stake and we want to finish the season as strongly as possible.

"We won't need any motivating for Sunday's match because it's live on television and there's a lot of interest.

"You always hope an occasion like this can bring out the best in the players.

"That's the way we've got to look at it and hopefully it will come Sunday."

McNamara has every respect for Deila and the job he has done since taking charge at Parkhead, but will not let their visitors overawe them.

He said: "Ronny has done a good job.

"We know they're a strong side but we just have to look after ourselves.

"We have to focus on what we're good at and hope to play that way on Sunday.

"There's still a lot to play for between now and the end of the season.

"Celtic will have their own aims in mind and so do we.

"We want to finish as high up the table as we can.

"We know it won't be easy but we will give it our best shot.

"We want the three points and will try to win like we do any other game."