Hearts boss Robbie Neilson has hinted that a few of the young members of his squad could be set for an opportunity against Celtic this weekend.
Ange Postecoglou’s side travel to Edinburgh on Saturday afternoon, looking to continue their strong start to the 2022/23 campaign.
Tynecastle has been a challenging venue in the past, with the Hearts crowd getting right behind the home side.
However, Postecoglou and his squad showcased their ability to pick up three points at Tynecastle last season in a crucial 2-1 win earlier this year.
After such a strong campaign in 2021/22, Hearts were expected to continue their positive form and solidify third place in the Scottish Premiership.
But, the Jambos currently sit 7th in the league, following a disappointing start to the season, which has seen them win just one of their last five domestic games, alongside a further three losses in Europe.
Hearts boss Robbie Neilson has also lost large chunks of his squad through injury, with the likes of Craig Halkett, Kye Rowles, Beni Banngime, and Liam Boyce all ruled out.
Whilst there are also doubts surrounding the fitness of Andy Halliday, Peter Haring, Michael Smith, Josh Ginnelly and Gary Mackay-Steven.
Speaking ahead of this weekend’s game, Neilson lamented his frustration at losing many of his first-team players through injury, suggesting that it could open up opportunities for youngsters in the squad.
He said [Edinburgh Evening News]: “We have to take it on the chin at the moment. It’s been a really difficult period for us with the amount of injuries.
“We were sitting on Sunday with 11 first-team players unavailable. That’s 11 players who would probably start for us most weeks. In terms of performance, we are creating chances but not taking them. At the other end, we are giving up goals. It’s not a good combination.
“We just have to keep digging, stick together and keep moving forward. We have a massive game this week against Celtic, and we need to start picking up points.
“If the player isn’t fit, then he isn’t fit. You just look at what you’ve got available, try to put a squad together and a team together for that game. You can see things are a wee bit makeshift because we are putting guys into positions they aren’t as comfortable in, but you have to try and do it to get a team out there.
“There is an opportunity for some of the guys who maybe haven’t had much game time before – like the younger ones – to come in and show what they can do. We are waiting for some of the more senior ones to come back.”
Celtic will be looking to take advantage of Hearts form and injury woes.
After going through such a disappointing run of form, arguably, the last team Hearts would want to be facing is Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic side.
The Hoops have bounced back from some frustrating results of their own, scoring ten goals in the last two games against Hibernian and Motherwell.
So, the Celtic boss will be expecting his side to go out and put in another top attacking display, taking advantage of Hearts’ injury woes and form from recent weeks.
Of course, Neilson’s side are still likely to make it a difficult test with players still available who are capable of threatening Celtic.
But the Bhoys look full of confidence and have returned to form at a crucial time in the season, with some big games to come in the next few weeks.
In other news, Celtic must do all they can to keep Rocco Vata as European clubs watch over prospect.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
