Celtic thrashed Hearts in yet another game in which Scott Brown sat out through injury, showing that when the captain returns he shouldn’t automatically walk back into the team.

More points were unearthed such as a possible new back line and Mikey Johnston’s return to the team.

Brown must fight for his place

Celtic’s stellar five star performance ensured Celtic’s first five wins in a row since Rodgers’ arrival.

In recent games Celtic have been more forward thinking with the holding role dropped or changed.

Callum McGregor has taken Brown’s mantle and is impressing.

The dynamic midfielder turned in another potential Man of the Match performance.

Celtic’s new dominant way of playing may not be changed resulting in Brown sitting out for an extended period.

Fans had always been fearful of Brown retiring or being out the team but now the worries have eased off.

New defensive line up tried

Before the hour mark Mikael Lustig was replaced at right back by Kristoffer Ajer.

This is a move which some fans wanted to see happen due to weak performances there this season.

Lustig did put in a good performance against Hearts and is probably only being rested for Leipzig.

Ajer wasn’t tested much in his new position and only got forward once which ended up with decent play.

That being said, Saturday mustn’t be the last time Ajer should appear at right back.

We scored from a corner, but crossing must improve

For the first time in forever, Celtic scored from a corner with Filip Benkovic on the end of it.

The Croatian rushed to the front post and smashed a header past Zdenek Zlamal.

This aside, Celtic’s crossing was absolutely woeful on Saturday.

Crossing is something that must be worked on in training, it’s always the same outcome.

There isn’t a recognised attacker who is known for heading the ball.

Youth attacker returns

Winger Mikey Johnston returned to first team action, coming on for Odsonne Edouard with 20 minutes to go.

This was Johnston’s first game since Celtic’s defeat at Kilmarnock in September.

The youngster didn’t get on the score-sheet but he kept the pressure on tiring Hearts legs.

Featuring on the bench too was Kerr McInroy who unfortunately didn’t feature.

With a midfield injury crises, McInroy might just get his chance in future.

Edouard getting back to best

The Frenchman scored two goals on Saturday bringing his tally to seven in the last seven.

The goals come after eight consecutive games without scoring for the £9 million striker.

His first was a sublime strike from out of nowhere which the keeper had no chance with.

Edouard is a confidence player it seems, so this new streak is reaping rewards for Celtic.

Fingers crossed he continues his form into the Leipzig game on Thursday.

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