Goodwin eyes Celtic scalp

St Mirren captain Jim Goodwin hopes victory for his side over Celtic in the SPL on Saturday can spark a run of good form.

Prior to the international break the Buddies lost 2-1 to St Johnstone as the Perth side claimed a fifth straight win in a sequence of results which began with a defeat of Celtic.

A congested Clydesdale Bank Premier League table means three points for St Mirren could see them climb a number of positions from seventh place.

"Our aim at the start of the season was top half and I don't think we're going to change that," Goodwin said.

"Second place is definitely up for grabs. There's not an awful lot between all the teams in the division.

"St Johnstone have proved that if you can put a run of good results together then you can really climb the league fast.

"Their run started when they beat Celtic about a month ago. Hopefully we can do the same.

"If we can get the first goal on Saturday that will make a big difference and give us a bit of confidence."

St Mirren have lost their last six meetings with Celtic, conceding 14 without reply in the process.

"We know we're huge underdogs on Saturday, but we're really looking forward to the game, working hard on the training ground and hopefully we can get a good result," Goodwin added.

"We're not just turning up just to get brushed aside again like we have done in the past. We're going to try to give a really good account of ourselves and be positive going into the game."

Goodwin believes the likely absence of Celtic skipper Scott Brown could aid his side's chances.

"Scott Brown is maybe struggling with his hip and we all know how important a player he is to Celtic," he said.

"He really is the heartbeat of Celtic's team. Hopefully with him missing that will play into our hands. But they have got such strength in depth."

Celtic's Champions League clash at Barcelona next week could also prove to be an advantage for Saints.

Goodwin said: "They will have their mind on Tuesday night and I hope it is a bit of a distraction for them.

"It will be a terrific occasion for the Celtic players to play against some of the greatest players in the world and the greatest club side that's probably ever been."