Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has backed his side to continue their good run in the Scottish Premiership against Hearts tomorrow.
The Scottish champions go into the game in fine fettle, having won all three of their league games by at least two goals so far, and only conceding one in return, against Ross County in Dingwall.
As reported by The Glasgow Times, Postecoglou said: “Our games against them were good last year and this will be a good challenge.
“But it’s about us and trying to improve our performances, which I think we have in every game. If we play our football, especially at home, we can be hard to stop.”
His side come up against a Hearts team who were a last kick of the ball Martin Boyle equaliser for Hibs away from matching the Hoops on points, with Postecoglou expecting the Jambos to kick on from last season’s third-placed finish.
He said: “Hearts are well in the Europa League tie and European football is going to be good for them. They had a really strong couple of years, getting promoted and then finishing third in the Premiership, well ahead of the pack and really consistent.
“They relied on a core group last year but Robbie has made a concerted effort to get a bigger squad this season. He knows that Europe does challenge you in that way and even on Thursday they picked up an injury, but they have a bigger squad to cope now.”
Hearts have a terrible recent record at Celtic Park, having failed to win the east end since 2009, but Postecoglou will be taking little for granted and will want his players to assert themselves again.
The Jambos’ return leg against Zurich on Thursday bears relevance too, the Edinburgh club haven’t a group stage since 2004-05 and although they have guaranteed Conference League football, their play-off remains a winnable win.
Postecoglou will hope his side can take advantage of any possible distractions, as they look to regain their place at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
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