A CURIOUS ambivalence settles on the Celtic manager, Tommy Burns, whenever his thoughts turn to Kilmarnock. The club which gave him his start as a manager and established his credentials for the Parkhead job also inflicted so much damage on Burns's team last season that it is to say they cost Celtic the league championship.

The three draws the sides played in four meetings brought the loss of six points to the Glasgow, club. They finished just four behind Rangers.

"Nobody-has to tell me we drew three times last year," said Burns on the eve of another visit to Rugby Park. "What can I say about that except that this is our first opportunity to rectify those mistakes?"

Celtic's generally unconvincing form since the season began two weeks ago gives them a vulnerable look for a hazardous trip, and they continue without the injured midfielders, Paul McStay and Phil O'Donnell.

Even this early, it seems obvious that they cannot afford to cede more ground to a powerful Rangers team. Burns's players have already dropped two points behind, thanks to their opening day draw at Aberdeen.

It would appear that the principal danger to Rangers in the home match with newly-promoted Dundee United this afternoon may be their own flatness after the European Cup triumph over Alania Vladikavkaz on Wednesday.