Why Celtic could field weakened team vs Hearts on final day and Rangers fans may not like it

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Everyone is talking about the post-split fixtures as Celtic, Hearts, and Rangers now know their route to securing the Premiership title.

There is every chance that on the final day of the season, the winner of Celtic’s mouthwatering showdown against Hearts at Parkhead will become champions of Scotland.

But given how woeful Celtic have been this season, don’t rule out the possibility, and the supporters don’t want it, of Martin O’Neill’s side being completely out of it and not in with a chance of winning the title on the final day.

That final-day Premiership fixture will be played on May 16, and the following week, it’s the Scottish Cup final, and there is every chance the Hoops book another final ticket at Hampden if they see past St Mirren.

All of that combined might create a scenario that might stir the pot in Scotland.

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Would Celtic play a weakened team against Hearts if they have no chance of the title?

Don’t get it twisted, given the make-up of Celtic’s post-split fixtures, three home games and at home on the final day, this is a huge, huge chance for the team to salvage a horrible campaign.

But if it is a dead rubber for Celtic on that final day, and they are in the Scottish Cup final, then you have to question if a weakened team is played on that day, and a few young stars are chucked into the occasion.

Cynics might argue that Celtic barely possess a strong starting XI to begin with.

But imagine the absolute uproar across Scotland if O’Neill fields a team of youngsters while Hearts are desperately trying to beat Rangers to the title.

The reaction would be comical. Because Celtic would have a reason to rest their big stars, and it just wouldn’t go down well at all on the other side of Glasgow.

Of course, the best scenario is Celtic beating Hearts on the final day, lifting title number 56 and then winning the Scottish Cup a week later.

If anyone deserves such a send-off, it’s O’Neill, because without him, Celtic would be lucky to be sitting in the top three of the Premiership table.