Darren Jackson looks likely to return to the Celtic starting line-up tomorrow after lasting only 24 minutes of the Old Firm match.

The Scotland striker was forced to come off in the 2-0 defeat by Rangers due to a chest infection. But he is making good progress and is now expected to face struggling Motherwell at Celtic Park.

Physio Brian Scott said: "Darren had a viral chest complaint and a cough on the morning of the game. After the warm-up he felt fine but his chest condition deteriorated and he found difficulty in breathing.

"He should be fine for the Motherwell game but we will assess the situation as time goes on."

It is a big week for Jackson at both club and international level with the World Cup finals now less than eight weeks away.

Celtic will go back to the top if they don't lose to Motherwell as Rangers are not in action until Sunday when they face Aberdeen at Pittodrie.

Then on Wednesday Jackson will be back at Easter Road for Scotland's World Cup warm-up match against Finland.

Celtic have found goals hard to come by in recent weeks and that factor has coincided with their Glasgow rivals moving into pole position.

Jackson is anxious to help the Bhoys cause. "I have felt a lot better over the last few days," he said. "Once I got on the park against Rangers I couldn't breathe."

Motherwell are desperate for a victory, knowing that if they win and Hibernian lose at Dunfermline they will remain in the premier division.

Eliphas Shivute looks likely to remain on the bench even though he was impressive in the 1-1 draw against Kilmarnock.

Coach Jim Griffin said: "We bring Eliphas on when we know the defenders are tiring. His pace will cause them problems and hopefully create chances for us.

"We are as keen to win as Celtic are and I am quite confident of a positive result at Parkhead."

Meanwhile, fan power has taken control in the boardroom at Scottish League First Division club St Mirren.

Stewart Gilmour, who headed a local business consortium that beat off the challenge of English businessman Reg Brealey, is the new chairman.

Gilmour has brought in three long-time supporters - Ken McGeoch, who will be financial director, Dr Roger Lucas and Brian McAuslan.

They will join George Campbell and company secretary Alan Marshall, who were on the previous board.

Managing director John Paton, who opened the way for the failed bid by Brealey, has resigned.

Long-serving Yule Craig, a former Scottish League president, has retired.