Although Celtic are thankfully not involved with any European qualifying matches this summer, clubs across Scotland have been, and Hearts were the latest to enter the process tonight.
Robbie Neilson’s side suffered a 2-1 defeat away to FC Zurich in a UEFA Europa League play-off, despite taking the lead in the match through a Lawrence Shankland penalty.
Some slack defending allowed the Swiss champions to score two goals in quick succession before the interval, overturning the deficit and giving them a lead heading into next week’s big second-leg clash at Tynecastle.
Hearts are actually guaranteed European group stage football this season regardless of whether they manage the comeback, with UEFA Europa Conference League action awaiting them should Zurich finish the job in Edinburgh.
Why am I writing about this? Well, it all comes ahead of a Celtic Park trip for Neilson’s outfit this weekend, so the European tie obviously holds meaning for that one.
With Hearts still in the play-off and competitive, it’ll be interesting to see how Neilson handles squad rotation and selection on Sunday, at a venue they’ve struggled at in recent years. The Jam Tarts can hold their own against the Bhoys at Tynecastle but have largely come up short in Glasgow.
European football isn’t something that Hearts have been especially used to either, and as we all know, going from Thursday to Sunday football is a big step up for any team.
Celtic, in contrast, have had another full week’s preparation after Sunday’s massive win over Kilmarnock and will be as fresh and intense as ever. Our next match after Sunday won’t come until the following weekend, with no need for rotation.
Nothing will be taken for granted by Ange Postecoglou and his side, but you do have to admit that the Bhoys are red hot favourites for this one – perhaps even more than an ordinary matchweek against Hearts. Hopefully, we can capitalise if they truly do have one eye on next Thursday.
In other news, Harry Kewell left buzzing with first experiences of Celtic; how Ange convinced him of move.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
