Celtic striker Carlton Cole has revealed his delight at scoring his first goal for the club and he is hoping for a run of success between now and the end of the season.

The former England international opened his Celts account by scoring the second goal in their comfortable 3-0 victory over Stranraer in the Scottish Cup fourth round on Sunday.

The match at Stair Park was also the 32-year-old’s first start for Ronny Deila’s side and he admits that it was a special moment to score his first goal for the club.

He told reporters: “It doesn’t matter who you score against, it’s always special to score for Celtic. I hear the fans singing my name all the time, it’s good to give them something in return to justify it.”

The former West Ham forward is now targeting more goals and game time for the reigning Scottish champions, as Sunday’s match was only his fourth appearance for the club since he joined them on a free transfer in October.

He said: “I want to really focus on the next game and get another one and another one. I want to really focus on the next game and get another one and another one.”

Celtic are next in action when they take on bottom-of-the-table Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership on Friday and they know a win at Tannadice would move them six points clear at the top of the standings on a temporary basis at least.

The Bhoys have won the division in each of the last four campaigns and they are available at 1.02 to finish top of the pile once again this season, with nearest rivals Aberdeen on offer at 17.00.