Celtic fans have again welcomed the team to a match with passion and colour.
After last week’s welcome before the Kilmarnock match, supporters took to the streets of Glasgow around Hampden to welcome the bus into the stadium.
The Green Brigade were in attendance to provide the noise and colour, with other fans young and old cheering the players on.
No doubt this will have fired up the Celtic players.
Shane Duffy spoke to the media last Sunday about the reception they were given at Parkhead, saying: “I love seeing it. Listen, there’s been ugly scenes and that’s not really what Celtic is about.
“The stuff today with them backing you. It gives you goosebumps. I wish the stadium was full and I could really experience it, but I’m hoping I get the chance. It’s a special club with special supporters.”
Neil Lennon has named his starting eleven for today’s encounter and it has divided opinion.
Scott Brown will start in the heart of the midfield despite Ismaila Soro’s impressive recent form.
The good news is that the manager has also opted for the confident David Turnbull, as well as Conor Hazard in goal.
There’s undoubtedly enough talent to see off the challenge of Hearts.
With huge talents like Odsonne Edouard and Mohamed Elyounoussi on hand, we have the firepower to punish the Scottish Championship side.
It will require aggression and incisive play from the whistle, however.
Robbie Neilson’s side are no mugs and will look to draw out the match to a tense affair in the second half.
Today’s welcome from fans will hopefully provide the players with inspiration to play well from minute one.
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