News: Henrik Larsson refuses to give manager Martin O'Neill any encouragement over his plans to persuade him to sign a new contract with Celtic.

The prolific marksman proved just how much they will miss his contribution during Saturday's mauling of Aberdeen to move the Premier League leaders five points ahead of Rangers, who drew 0-0 draw with Livingston.

Larsson is adamant he will quit the club when his contract expires at the end of the season, but that has not stopped O'Neill hoping he will convince him otherwise.

But the Swedish international striker is single-minded and his latest comments suggest O'Neill would be wasting his time even trying to change his mind.

"I don't have any comment at all," insisted Larsson. "I don't have any comments because I think I have said enough."

O'Neill is so desperate for him to have a change of heart he would even lock him in his office until he signs on the dotted line.

"I spoke to (Larsson's agent) Rob Jansen but it wasn't a long discussion we had," he said. "The club, the chairman and certainly the board would want us to do our utmost to keep him here.

"I'm sure it's not going to be about money because I'm sure Henrik would earn more money elsewhere.

"I want to keep as many of the good players for as long as I possibly can at the club and Henrik's contract is up at the end of the season so we will do our best.

"All we can do is do our best or give a wee bit better than our best shot. We will do the best we can possibly do."