Robbie Neilson suffers Hearts cup embarrassment after stating he would "love" to draw Celtic

By David Walton

March 24, 2021

Robbie Neilson outlined his wish to face Celtic in this year’s Scottish Cup, and then found himself KO’d by Highland League side Brora Rangers.

Indeed, the last two Scottish Cup finals have seen the Hoops take on the Jambos in blockbuster tussles. Only back in December did Celtic complete a famous quadruple-treble with a penalty shootout win after a 3-3 scoreline.

Back in May 2019, Celtic had to come from behind to beat Hearts and secure their treble-treble. The Tynecastle club have certainly given us tough encounters over the last two years. But they won’t be doing the same for a third year.

After the Scottish Cup final in December, Neilson was adamant he wanted to face Celtic again in the competition this season. As quoted by Edinburgh Live, the Hearts manager said: “I would love to be back in the Premiership to get another four cracks next season although I would love another crack at them in the Scottish Cup (this season).”

However, last night, Hearts would lose 2-1 away to Brora in what is one of the biggest shocks in Scottish Cup history.

Robbie Neilson left embarrassed after Hearts disaster; Celtic would face new challenger if we make final

It was difficult not to crack a smile or a laugh when this scoreline popped up last night. For many Celtic fans, our first thoughts would’ve been on the embarrassment suffered by ex treble-treble winner Craig Gordon.

Celtic will now face a new challenger if we manage to make the Scottish Cup final. But if Hearts’ defeat shows you anything, it’s that anything can happen in cup competitions.

Celtic will kick-start their bid for a fifth consecutive Scottish Cup when they face Falkirk in the third round. Given our own performances this season, even that can’t be taken easily. The day we do that is the day we suffer another Ross County in the Betfred Cup.

Hearts manager Robbie Neilson (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)

As for Hearts, they still look sure-fire favourites to be promoted. Despite their calamity last night, they remain 16 points clear at the top of the Scottish Championship having played a game more. Celtic will undoubtedly be back at Tynecastle next season and the Edinburgh club will be sure to tool up for the contest.

But they won’t be providing us with any awkwardness in this season’s Scottish Cup. It would’ve been nice to have a tasty rematch with Hearts given the troubles they gave us at Hampden towards the end of 2020.

However, we’re going to have to wait until next season to re-enforce our dominance against Neilson’s side.

In other news, this Celtic youngster had one hectic day yesterday.