It’s time for Celtic to make a real statement

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The three weeks without Celtic in action has been a form of slow torture for many supporters. Yet, the Scottish Premiership break may well end up being seen to be one of the most important periods of the season.

Refreshed by time off and re-energised by three new signings, the first-team squad is ready for the challenges ahead. But the excitement of the top-flight will wholly dissipate if Celtic don’t send out a warning to their division rivals tonight.

Hibernian visit Celtic Park and only three points is good enough. You could say that about every game for the Bhoys, yet it rings even more true in 2022 than it did at the start of the season.

Celtic vs Hibs is the perfect chance to make a big statement

Having got off to a sluggish start in the Scottish Premiership, before dropping silly points against St Mirren just before the break, there is no room for error for Celtic in the title race. Certainly not when Rangers keep picking up points under their new manager.

A confident victory tonight, with our star players performing to their capability, can send out a serious statement and put pressure on the Ibrox side before their visit to play Aberdeen tomorrow night. Pittodrie is rarely an easy destination for them and cutting the points gaps to three will add extra spice to the occasion.

Celtic Park will be rocking tonight. But expectations have been raised too. Supporters are no longer comparing the progress of Ange Postecoglou’s side to the shambles of last season. Postecoglou now has to live up to the standards set in the first half of this season and improve on them.

The fans need to see their heroes perform to expectations and set the tone for the rest of the season tonight. So while, obviously, the result matters most, everyone is dying to see a good performance alongside it. I’m not sure a shaky 1-0 win will inspire much confidence in anyone.

Hibs are a top six side and capable of giving us a tough test, as we witnessed in the Scottish League Cup final. A comfortable win tonight would be the perfect start to a huge few weeks of matches in multiple competitions.

In other news, Ange Postecoglou unlocks key relationship with Celtic board.