Celtic take on Heart of Midlothian tomorrow afternoon in a critical match regarding the context of the Scottish Premiership title race.
Steven Naismith’s outfit travel across the M8 knowing that a victory would rubber-stamp a third place in the table, which would guarantee European group stage football heading into 2024/25.
Meanwhile, Celtic know there is little margin for error at Parkhead amid the opportunity to open up a six-point lead over Rangers, potentially applying pressure to their rivals who face Kilmarnock on Sunday at Ibrox.
Brendan Rodgers is expecting a raucous atmosphere on home soil, as he stated following our 2-1 win over Dundee last weekend: “I am really excited about next week against Hearts at Celtic Park. 60,000, the atmosphere will be amazing, the pitch will be amazing, and hopefully, we can play a level of football and get another really good result.”
Daizen Maeda could potentially return to the starting line-up if he recovers fully from his hamstring problem, though we will find out more at Rodgers’ press conference later today.
In other selection-based observations, veteran winger James Forrest has made a compelling case to start successive matches owing to his excellent brace at Dens Park last Sunday.
John Hartson says James Forrest has to start for Celtic
Forrest’s double on Tayside took his tally to six goals and one assist in 24 appearances this campaign; meanwhile, his ability to provide an out ball on the flank endlessly troubled Tony Docherty’s backline, per Transfermarkt.
The Scotland international has risen from the periphery to take a leading role in our title push, and former Celtic striker John Hartson is adamant he should take to the field against Hearts tomorrow in light of his recent exploits.
He explained [Go Radio Football Show]: “He’s coming into really good form. I think, once or twice this season, he’s come off the bench and made a real impact.
“Using his experience, getting it out of his feet and using his pace, that rapid turn of pace he’s got, getting it in the box low or high for someone to come onto it and score a goal.
“His goal was wonderful (vs Dundee), really good; it broke the deadlock, a little set-up from Kyogo, and to have the process of thought to hit it first time and hit a wonderful volley, like a scissor-kick volley right in the bottom corner, the keeper had no chance, it was a brilliant goal.
“I’ve no doubt that James Forrest, if he gets through this week and he’s fit to play, I think he starts again at the weekend, there’s no doubt about that.”
Celtic need cool heads at this stage in the season, and Forrest would have to be heralded as an ideal candidate to fulfil that duty, given the role he has played in 22 major honours ending up at Parkhead.
Rodgers has also tended to stick with form players from week to week, which should encourage the 32-year-old that he has done enough to earn a spot in the starting line-up once the teamlines are out tomorrow.
