Tynecastle trip is Jeremie Frimpong's toughest Celtic test yet

By John Reid

December 17, 2019

Celtic’s Jeremie Frimpong has so far handled every test that he has faced as a first-team player. He handled his first game at Celtic Park easily. He excelled in a trip to Aberdeen, where he scored in a 4-0 win.

The player was one of Celtic’s best performers in the Glasgow derby Betfred Cup Final, which only ended when he was ordered off.

His great form continued when he scored the opening goal in Celtic’s recent 2-0 win over Hibs. Now the player faces what is arguably his toughest test yet, when the Hoops travel to Tynecastle to take on Hearts on Wednesday.

Tough test awaits player at difficult venue

(Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Hearts might not be in the best of form, but they always make it difficult for Celtic, and it will be the toughest game Firmpong has had to deal with yet.

The reason for that is partly because of Tynecastle itself. The stadium lends itself to fans getting on top of opposition players, whenever they make mistakes. That is not really what Frimpong faced at Tynecastle, or at Hampden for the Betfred Cup Final.

Therefore, Frimpong will want to make sure that he does not make any early mistakes whilst Hearts will no doubt be flying into every challenge, and their fans and team will be up for the game. That applies to all the Hoops players, but even more so to Frimpong, who has yet to experience how tough a game at Tynecastle can be for Celtic.

Game is important for both sides

(Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

The game is just as important for the Tynecastle side, who are in a relegation battle, as it is to the Hoops, who could go five points clear at the top of the league with a win.

Celtic have not had the best of records at Tynecastle in recent years, and have lost there in the last two seasons.

However, you have to imagine that Neil Lennon will pick his strongest available side for the game. At the moment, that includes Frimpong.

The player will no doubt be looking forward to the game, as at only 19 years old he will be eager to play in as many first-team games as possible.

Frimpong might well face his toughest Celtic test yet against Hearts. However, you would back the player to come through the match triumphantly.