Celtic’s busy schedule of fixtures continues this weekend when they head to Tynecastle for a top-of-the-table clash with Hearts. Martin O’Neill’s side go into the match looking for a win which would reduce the deficit to just three points, and they do so on the back of an impressive Europa League performance on Thursday night as they drew 2-2 with Bologna. The dust had barely settled on that game before the Celtic manager faced the press again, and while he looked ahead to Sunday’s Premiership clash, he also reflected on what had been a good night in Italy. “The performance was terrific and the result was really fine,” Martin O’Neill said. “My own view is that if we had stayed with 11 men, the way we were playing at the time, we might have taken all three points. “It wasn’t to be and it was backs to the wall, certainly in the second half, and it was a terrific effort. “We’re still in the competition, we’ve got a game on Thursday and we’ll try to win that if we can, but that’ll come on Thursday. We’ve got a big match on Sunday.”The Hoops boss revealed that Johnny Kenny picked up a calf strain in Bologna, which is being assessed ahead of the weekend, while he’s pleased to see Kelechi Iheanacho back in training alongside the acquisition of Czech striker, Tomas Cvancara. “He trained yesterday with the B team lads and he trained this morning, so he’s ready to go,” the manager said of the new Bhoy. “I wouldn’t want to put too much pressure on him. He’s not going to be the panacea for all our ills and woes, but just let him get settled in. ‘I think he’ll make an impact – I hope he does – but, again, I just wouldn’t want to be putting extreme pressure on him to solve all our problems.’ As for Sunday’s game, the Hoops currently trail Hearts by six points, and having lost their two previous encounters against the Tynecastle side this season, they’ll be looking to make amends this weekend. “It’s going to be very big, no question about it,” the manager said. “If we get beaten it’s a long way back for us – it’s a bit of a trek at the minute – so we’ll go out to win the game if we can. “It has a great atmosphere, it’s fiery, and I used to say that, outside of Ibrox, it was the most intimidating place to go, and I think it will be a wonderful atmosphere. “The players are in good spirits, they’ll be up for the game but this might be a time when substitutions will play their part.” Watch the manager’s full press Conference Reflections on Bologna performance Squad update On Tomas Cvancara Hearts game Transfer window update Upcoming FixturesHeart of Midlothian Vs. Celtic – Thu, Jan 1st 2026, 20:00
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