It has been 32 years since a team other than Celtic and Rangers has topped the Premiership table at Christmas.
In what has been a chaotic, dramatic and eye-opening season for those in Glasgow, Hearts have taken advantage by opening up a six-point lead.
Yes, Celtic have a game in hand, but the Hoops have been beaten twice by Hearts this season, and Derek McInnes’ side are proving to be the real deal.
But despite all that, one man who has remained firm in what he thinks of the Jambos is Charlie Mulgrew, and he was ready to boil their blood again at Christmas.
Will we hunt Hearts down and win the title?
Charlie Mulgrew on Hearts’ chances of beating Celtic to the Premiership title
Previously, Mulgrew has stated that Celtic will be eight points ahead of Hearts by March.
But, at this moment in time, the champions of Scotland can’t even guarantee that Wilfried Nancy will be in charge in a few weeks.
However, whilst the former Celtic defender is feeling ‘nervous’ about how far Hearts are pushing the boat out to win the title, there are a few things he is still unsure about, as he told The Breakdown.
“I am a wee bit nervous,” said Mulgrew. “It’s a team that has belief in each other.
“The thing that I wonder, and I still wonder, I still have a bit of nerves that they have been up there longer than I thought they would. I said they would be eight points behind in March. A bit nervous it won’t be the case. I’ll hold my hands up.
“The thing I have with Hearts, do they have the mentality, so now they are there to be caught. They play Hibs at Easter Road, so now, this is the mentality for me. Now they go to Easter Road as big favourites. Less expectations on Hibs. I know it’s a derby, and they still want to compete.
“But can they go and break down a Hibs back five, with that midfield? I still think there is a long way to go. I don’t know if Hearts, if they go down in a game, and I know they have come back from being 3-0 down to Motherwell.
“I just wonder if they have the same belief about coming back in a game. I just wonder. It’s still early in the season. Del, it’s a great job he has done. I just don’t know if he can win the games outside of (Celtic and Rangers). Can they go on a long run of beating everybody else?
“The mentality is, you are there to be caught. The pressure is on you to dominate a game – this is what I wonder. Have they got the mentality? Have they got the creativity? Have they got that to dominate a game in possession?”
You have one Celtic wish that can be granted in 2026. What would it be and why?
Mulgrew on who he wants to win the title between Hearts and Rangers
Celtic won title number 55 last season, and they will want to add to becoming Scotland’s most successful club by also winning the most league titles in history.
Interestingly enough, Mulgrew hesitated when asked who he would prefer to win the title this season, between Hearts and Rangers, even though it should be a pretty straightforward answer.
Kevin Thomson: “So, would you rather Hearts win the league than Rangers?”
Mulgrew, after a long pause: “Both would hurt me. Both would hurt me.”
Thomson laughs: “That’s been the best question on the podcast so far.”
Mulgrew: “Both would hurt, but Hearts right now because I have stepped out there.
“From being a kid, watching Rangers in the 90s, that would really hurt me because I have enjoyed the success Celtic have had, and I don’t want that to ever change. There was a wee blip in the COVID season. But we won’t mention that.
“Hearts, for me, especially after I went out there and said, ‘There is no chance of them winning it.’ My ego would be dented.
“But listen, it makes it exciting. This is why we love it.”
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