Celtic team vs Hearts confirmed: 5 changes, global TV details, instant reaction

By John McGinley

March 11, 2023

Manager Ange Postecoglou has named his Celtic team vs Hearts for today’s big Scottish Cup quarter-final at Tynecastle.

The full match squad is as follows:

Starting XI – Hart, Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Starfelt, Taylor, McGregor, Hatate, Mooy, Jota, Haksabanovic, Kyogo.

Substitutes – Bain, Abada, Turnbull, Kobayashi, Iwata, Oh, Bernabei, O’Riley, Ralston.

As expected, a number of big first-team regulars have returned to the line-up from the midweek match against Robbie Neilson’s team including Alistair Johnston, Greg Taylor, Jota and Reo Hatate.

Sead Haksabanovic also gets a starting opportunity with Daizen Maeda missing out with a knee knock. Postecoglou had previously said the Japanese winger was “50/50” to make the squad.

It’s a total of five changes overall, with the bench again looking incredibly strong and chock full of talent should they be needed in the second half.

Broadcast details

Today’s match is live on Viaplay Sports 1 in the UK, which you may not know is the rebranded Premier Sports after a takeover last year.

Celtic TV will also be broadcasting the match to overseas subscribers to the club service.

The knockout clash is being shown on many channels around the world including ESPN+ in the USA and beIN Sports 3 in Australia. A full list of global providers can be found via LiveSoccerTV.

BBC Radio Scotland will also be providing live audio commentary.

Instant verdict on Celtic team vs Hearts

This is Haksabanaovic’s first competitive start for Celtic since way back in November against Ross County at home, which resulted in a 2-1 victory. He’s been used consistently as a substitute over the last month after returning from injury and deserves an opportunity this afternoon.

He looked particularly sharp on Wednesday night and even scored a sumptuous curled goal late on to secure all three points. Fans will be eager to see what he can produce from the start. It could be a big moment for his Celtic career if he performs well.

Elsewhere it’s great to see the full-backs return to the team, who were notably missed mid-week, with Reo Hatate primed to continue his excellent recent form after a rest, too. It should be a cracking game!

In other news, Ange Postecoglou responds to proposed SPFL restructure with Celtic benefits clear.