Hearts go five clear, Celtic must respond against Motherwell

We go into today’s clash with Motherwell five points adrift of leaders Hearts, who beat Edinburgh rivals Hibs thanks to a last gasp goal at Tynecastle on Saturday evening as Hibs hibsed the Edinburgh Derby.

That result has led to a number of Celtic supporters saying that the pressure is well and truly on ourselves to get a victory today, but aren’t we always under pressure to win, no matter the circumstances in the league standings?

Today we need to win, absolutely we do, but I can confidently say that I’m not in anyway concerned about the Gorgie side as not for a minute do I believe that they are genuine title contenders at such an early stage of th season.

Even if Celtic did drop points today, I would still fancy our chances of winning the league, and winning it with a few points to spare. Realistically it’s our Glasgow rivals below us that we need to worry about as they will soon get their act together and conjure a string of results that will put them back in contention for the title.

Some in the Scottish game have tipped the Jambos to push for or even win the title itself, even some of my fellow Celtic supporters believe Hearts are a good tip to nick our title. Tom English and the rest of the pundits on BBC Sportsound were absolutely desperate for a Hearts win yesterday so that they could pose a threat to Celtic in the title race.

All I can say to those who believe the Jambos have a genuine chance of finishing first, is have a word with yourselves. Really, do these folk follow football closely? Aberdeen are a fine example as to the challenge the men in maroon face.

This time last year the Dons were leading the way and tipped by many to end Celtic’s monopoly on the title, and we all know what happened next. The truth is that whilst Hearts have a decent side, they don’t have the squad depth, or more importantly the belief or experience needed to win the title.

Tom English & Co on BBC Sportsound were saying that if Hearts can keep themselves out in front of until the turn of the year then Tony Bloom may well be encourages ti invest heavily in the squad to get them over the line. Hearts have Kilmarnock away then Celtic at Tynecastle at the end of the month, the first in four meetings against the Champions.

Today is all about Celtic doing our job as a support and a team to get the three points against Motherwell.

Fair play to Hearts for making a good start but let’s not get too carried away about them challenging for the title over the course of the season. They may well look at their lead over theRangers who have pressure of their own today away at Falkirk, and reckon that their chances of splitting the two Glasgow sides is certainly a realistic objective. Winning the title though is something Hearts fans can dream about all they want but there’s a long way to go.

Celtic must cut the gap to two points this afternoon. No excuses.