Celtic are back in action after the September international break with the visit of Hearts in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday.
The Bhoys have had a perfect start to the season, rattling in 15 goals and conceding just once in five victories from five matches.
Hearts, in contrast, have lost their last six in all competitions and their only league point came in an opening-day draw at home to Rangers.
Despite that, former striker Chris Sutton has warned his old team not to take Steven Naismith’s side for granted, even though the excitement of the Champions League is on the immediate horizon.
Hearts have ‘desperation’ heading to Celtic Park
The pundit said ahead of kick-off [Daily Record]: “It could be the start of an exciting spell of big progression for the club in Europe. Listen, first thing is first. Brendan Rodgers and his players have a job to do against Hearts today. Making sure the domestic bandwagon starts rolling again immediately after the international break is crucial.
“Celtic were terrific in the opening block. Hearts, on the other hand, were pretty woeful. But Rodgers and his team got a taste of what Steven Naismith’s men can do on two separate occasions last season and the desperation of the visitors for a result to get their own campaign going is going to make them highly-dangerous opposition in Glasgow’s East End.
“Celtic have to make sure there are no slips and take themselves onto the European stage with a real spring in their step. Take care of Naismith’s dangerous side and settle yourself into a chair at Europe’s top table. Once you get sat down, tuck in. Make the most of the opportunity.”
Celtic in good shape after international break
Thankfully, Rodgers has as strong a squad as possible to choose from with no big injury concerns reported by the manager in his Friday media conference.
Alistair Johnston and Cameron Carter-Vickers are both training despite recent issues, while Greg Taylor and James Forrest are also okay despite pulling out of Scotland duty.
The Bhoys are hot favourites to pick up the points this afternoon. Though Sutton’s point is valid – the team can’t take their eyes off the immediate challenge in front of them.
We need to see as intense and accomplished a performance today as we did in the opening five matches of the season. If the team produce that, three points shouldn’t be an issue.
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