Neil Critchley rings Hearts alarm as boss rhymes off list needed to go their way to compete vs Celtic

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Neil Critchley knows just how tough a task Hearts have at hand this afternoon.

Celtic play host to the Jambos at Parkhead knowing they can take another significant step towards the Scottish Premiership title with three points.

Brendan Rodgers will also be demanding a bounce-back from Celtic’s 3-2 Rangers loss a fortnight ago and Critchley understands that his side could feel the impact of that defeat more than anyone.

The Englishman hopes rather than expects his side will compete with the runaway league leaders in Glasgow this afternoon.

• READ MORE: Luke McCowan shares what will make him cry as Celtic look to get over Scottish Premiership finish line

Neil Critchley is worried about Celtic’s power

And he appeared to, in his pre-match press conference, have a list of things he feels need to go right for the Gorgie outfit just to give themselves a chance at Celtic Park.

“You need a top performance from everyone. You need everyone to step up to the challenge. You need everyone to perform, whether that’s starting or coming off the bench,” he said.

“You need to go with the right mentality. You know it’s going to be tough. You know at times in the game you’re going to have to suffer. You have to be good at suffering. But you have to believe in what you’re doing.

“The mentality is really crucial. You need to be clinical when you create the moments that hopefully you can create by how you play the game.

“You see Rangers and how they approach the game and the success that they got from that. You’re hopeful of something similar, even if you’re maybe going to do it in a slightly different way.”

Hearts are missing several key players vs Celtic

Hearts will be without some key players for the trip with a number of stars missing.

The Jambos received a defensive boost with Jamie McCart returning but it will take more than the former Hoops kid to make the difference.

And the manager knows that. He credits Celts with being the best in the division by a stretch and he believes that it might be tough finding their weakness.

Critchley added: “Every team has a weakness – but they’re by far the best team! That was their first home defeat all season. They’re an outstanding team. They’re top players, really well-coached, managers incredible in what he’s done and what he’s achieved.”