That Celtic have narrowed the gap on Hearts almost beggars belief when you examine Hearts record. Since the turn of the year, they have won 12 of 18 league games, drawn three (Celtic H, Motherwell A, Livingston A) and lost three (St Mirren A, Newco A, Kilmarnock A). My expectation that they would drift away and the race for the title would be between Celtic and Newco did not materialise.
They lost their best defender Craig Halkett and playmaker Marc Leonard to injury on Saturday at Motherwell. That was compensated by the return to Wednesday’s starting lineup of Cammy Devlin. Devlin was considered their MVP before injury. He played 67 minutes on Wednesday night and got a 3 minute cameo at Motherwell. They are his only appearances in five weeks, and he only managed three games between then and picking up an injury in the middle of January. He is not fit and has had insufficient recovery time since Wednesday to be even close.
That assertion leads to an interesting aspect of tomorrow’s game. Hearts have not had a midweek game since 3 February. This is a one-game-a-week club who are top of the table because Celtic and Newco played two games a week for months. Hearts even went out of the Scottish Cup on their first game (Falkirk). They got through the preseason League Cup section for clubs who did not qualify for Europe, but then went out on the first round proper to St Mirren. They have a squad who are not fit for two games a week and have had insufficient recovery time since Wednesday to restore energy levels.
We would not even have an end of season decider were it not for a disputed red card shown to Auston Trusty the last time Celtic and Hearts met. If Derek McInnes has anything to do with it, a repeat scenario tomorrow will give his side the best chance of coming out on top. They need to nobble Celtic: when in the box: they will fall; they will clutch their face for any challenge in the air; when a Celtic player slides in, they will roll holding an ankle. This game will require a strong referee.
Celtic’s best chance of success is to drive the pace of the game. They are more used to playing two games a week than anyone else in Scotland and need to make this fitness status a key aspect of the game by forcing play from early on. Chase everything in midfield, switch play from wing to wing, be content to go back and start again – but quickly.
The fitness of Alastair Johnston and Kieran Tierney is a concern. Celtic suffered when both were hooked against Motherwell on 70 and 78 minutes respectively. Both are ahead of Cammy Devlin in the fitness stakes, but present a conundrum for the manager. Leave them on and you risk weakening the team as they fade, replace them and the team loses the bite they bring.
Martin delayed his substitutions at Motherwell when Celtic took the lead with Reo Hatate and Kelechi stripped and ready. It felt like this upside scenario surprised the manager and left him unsure. Whatever he decides on substitutions tomorrow, maintaining energy until the final whistle will remain his top priority, he will not want to live through a repeat of the Motherwell pressure in the last 15 minutes of Wednesday’s game.
There is a confidence among the Celtic support which is based on recent performances and the irresistible force displayed by the manager and team. My feeling is that we overestimate our chances. Hearts are undefeated against Celtic in three games this season and have already won at Celtic Park. In the last five weeks, they have beaten Motherwell, Hibs, Newco and Falkirk, four of the other five top-six sides. They have earned the right to compete for the title tomorrow. They buckled at Ibrox in February, but despite being outplayed, twice took the lead. Can we rob them of composure tomorrow in a similar manner? I expect so, but they have scored in 18 of 19 games this calendar year, it will take a few goals before you will feel comfortable.
You and I have a job to do. If a Celtic player makes a mistake, goes back when you would prefer he went forward, or things just don’t seem to be coming off for him, support him. Flow encouragement towards the worst Celtic player on the field. Encouragement helps, moans do not. Derek McInnes is a nobody. Focus directed against him takes the pressure off his players, it gives them someone to fight for. Antagonism should be aimed squarely at the Hearts player on the ball, this works. More so if that player makes a mistake. Create as much noise as possible and be prepared to continue if Celtic go behind, or still need a goal late in the game. It is not important who is winning early on, only who is ahead in the 99th minute!
Head-to-head final games to decide the title between the top two clubs is rare. We have to look back to “the 4-2 game” in 1979 and before that, to Jimmy Johnstone’s double in the 2-2 draw at Ibrox in 1967. You will know if you have met a Celtic fan who was at either game, as they always tell you. These occasions are precious and inspire a lifetime of joyful memories. If you are going tomorrow, you are already lucky that you have a chance to attend such a game. It is in your hands. Play your part.
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One more sleep.
With 10 games to go we were on 55 points. I said then I reckoned 8 wins and 2 draws to take us to 81 should just about be enough.
8 wins and a defeat on, we are within touching distance. Incredible effort to climb the mountain and get to where we are (full credit to Martin and the players) but the last step will be the toughest.
Other than Hibs supporters the whole country will be against us. More likely the whole world after yesterday’s carry-on. It’s being portrayed as a plucky minnow underdog being cheated out of a miracle win. Reality would say it’s the 3rd/4th biggest club in the country achieving a points total that should be well within their reach most seasons. Crikey, Kilmarnock got 67 points under Steve Clarke on a fraction of the budget this lot has been operating under.
Then again, who cares about reality these days when you can create your own version of events and not even be questioned?
Surely 90-91 was a decider between the top two?
Brilliant stuff Paul.
The fans have a massive part to play tomorrow.
I trust us fans completely to do our bit.
PS – “The fitness of Alastair Johnston and Kieran Tierney is a concern”
Not to me it ain’t.
Instructions to both?
Play like there’s no tomorrow.
Run until you drop then get up and run some more.
Recovery (for Scottish Cup or World Cup) is irrelevant.
Martin – the brilliant strategist he is – kept his eye on the bigger picture on Wednesday and refused to be caught up in the moment.
He knew he needed both for Saturday – so took them off while that game was still in the balance.
Proper leadership.
Intelligence without bravery (or vice versa) is of limited value.
COYBIG
No Cup Final ticket, despite being in the HTS.
Utter shite!
Was earlier told, by email, that I had received emails about CF tickets but hadn’t opened them.
Why would they email me if I was unsuccessful in the ballot?
Utter shite!
‘Derek McInnes is a nobody.’ Superb sentence Paul! 😝
“………., he will not want to live through a repeat of the Motherwell pressure in the last 15 minutes of Wednesday’s game”.
Nor will I.
It’s unlikely my heart rate comes down until we have a 3 goal cushion.
Was sh*tting it before Murderwell and R2ngers games
More relaxed about tomorrow.
Saint Stivs on 15th May 2026 12:09 pm
quadrophenian on 15th May 2026 9:46 am
Capn Tav issued a statement digging out Danny.
This kind of LeGuen-ing is endemic at the Gimpdome.Watch Rohl get filleted next.
Rinse and repeat.
——————-
danny is working his ticket.
going from favourites at the split witht the “direct entry to champions league riches” already being counted by the sleverers in the board room and the wider media, to now the also rans who cant win any of their must win cup finals.
that event, direct entry, was to be the inflection point for a future generation of domination, sure Keevins was tellin us.
But back to Danny, losing games in the manner they do, toothless, not fighting, meek, not dignified, dare we say it ……. they surrendered.
Barry and the rest go back to the old bigots clarion call, the problem is, we aint “scottish” enough, ergo, we dont have enough of our ain kind, and what kind would that be pray (well whatever is the equivalent from the pulpit, is it a rant ?) be ?
Danny , a tim name if ever there was one, doesnt get it, he is not Scottish enough, he pulled on the blazer and brogues, but over-time, you can tell he doesnt get it, that hair for a start, those excuses for failing he is becoming Pedro, Michael (wtaf) and Philippe rohled into one. And with a Herr-flick accent.
Have a look at the pictures, he is Russell Martin on monjarou.
So, his latest actions, dropping the much maligned longest serving record goal scoring most appearances, most decorated captain (the full scottish set, one of each major), a bridge too far for the loyal bears, they might hate the Tav, but they can still say cheerio in a dignified manner, not getting a last chance to boo their appreciation, well thats just not rangers anymore is it.
So, what does Danny do, four lost cup finals, and another to come, he goes and has a conflab with a couple of Onion Bears, seriously, what do you learn from that ? here you why didnt you pick x, play the y formation and do triple xxx to them embra scummy terrorist supporting tims without the bus-fare, those cousins of Declan flying flegs of foreign country, why dont they go home, so Danny you get it now, no surrender, we are still the people.
But lads, I know we share a dream ………. have you seen my new shoes.
So, imho, he is working his ticket, a move to a middle club in a bigger league would be much more cosy, maybe even have nicer fanatics, only a matter of time.
What are the owners, a mysterious group known as notthe49ers meant to make of it all ?
Toodle pip, we have a championship to win.
Good article. I’m optimistic about tomorrow, while remaining fairly pragmatic
Don’t worry too much about this prediction- “My expectation that they would drift away and the race for the title would be between Celtic and Newco did not materialise”
Since Brendan left, you’ve been pretty deranged in many lead articles.
My take on the penalty furore.
Why it isn’t a foul on Trusty: I believe that Scottish guidance is that there has to be obvious and deliberate lateral arm movement. An arm used as leverage when challenging in an aerial duel, even if there is some contact, isn’t necessarily deemed a foul. He jumped earlier and got an arm across his opponent. It happens all day.
Why it’s a handball and a penalty: Scottish VAR guidance says arm or hand contact inside the box above shoulder height, expect a pen. He appears to have nutted the ball out of play through the back of his hand/wrist, quite unintentionally I might add, but that doesn’t matter to our officials. Hand contact in an unnatural position…pen. VAR and the ref adhered to the guidance they’ve been given.
Importantly though, why it shouldn’t be a pen (but is): I hope nobody wants to see a pen for that.
1. Unintentional
2. An aerial challenge
3. In front of the goals and well outside the six yard box
4. Backs to goal.
No obvious goal scoring opportunity was prevented. VAR simply applied the guidance without context or common sense and the ref, once dispatched to the monitor, did the same. Both were obviously satisfied that a hand had been used.
The uproar is ridiculous. It’s Celtic v plucky Hearts and the rest of the world it seems.
VAR had nothing to say about the stonewaller Maeda was denied just before half time when the goalie sprinted out and jumped into his back knee first, and predictably, neither has anyone else. That doesn’t suit the agenda.
One last thing. With one drawing of a monitor, a peep on the whistle, and a finger pointed at the penalty spot, John Beaton has hopefully silenced those among us who have long questioned his professional integrity. He isn’t perfect, and he may be a Rangers man, but he can no longer justifiably be accused of willful bias after that call.
Was at the 2-2 game May 1967…rained from the time we alighted at Broomielaw ’til we boarded gor the 9 o’clock sail.McInnes is a nobody…agree!
Haven’t posted for a while, but can’t help it this week.
Sent this to Tom McLaughlin on text earlier…
I’ll tell you what, see the siege mentality McInness was after, has basically backfired and readied Celtic for this. I’ve never wanted to beat a team or win a league so bad in my life given all the pish that’s been written and spoken since Wednesday. Other than Hibs fans and not all of them, nobody wants us to win the fucking title! Fuck them all Tom! We really need to do this on Saturday. Fucking worst referee in Scotland in charge as well. 😬😳🤦♂️🤮
Aye, selective memories. Fucking Hearts got away with a blatant handball against Motherwell near the end of their game the other night. Even big Sutton commentating said they’re usually given. All media driven agenda to unsettle the hoops. Controversy sells as well. Phone-ins etc as you’re aware are all rampant atm with rabid anti-Celtic pish.
Gerrintae thum Celtic! Keep the title at Paradise!
I’ll be watching in Fitzgerald’s in Liverpool if anyone’s down that way for the game.
😃 🇮🇪 🍀
https://x.com/magnificent7kok/status/2055211426550063147?s=48&t=IHnYpsmGCrn25A14XlcGJw
Brilliant
Sorry for the language P67. But feel it’s needed this week for emphasis. 😁👍
Hatate for Tounetki only change for me. Allows us to retain the ball better in midfield, assuming Reo has his game head on. Also allows Nygren and CMcG to push forward.
Saracchi is key for us with his aggression and legs later in the game.
Unbelievable season, let’s hope we can get it over the line 🙏
Some man, John Beaton. That’s twice in recent weeks he’s awarded us a penalty kick in injury time of a crucial match.
Aipple – one more night to go, then we can all sleep again.
Beaton and Dallas had to give the penalty as they knew that images would come to light that Nicholson handled the ball.
I would surmise that Celtic have given yet another dossier to UEFA about ‘refereeing anomalies’ and that UEFA had a word.
Beaton and Dallas would not have given that penalty if they could have helped it.
This game will require a strong referee.
It’s Don Robertson, strong if a Celtic opponent is breathed on giving them a free kick. Ignores fouls against Celtic players except when we have advantage to play on, he then brings the ball back for a foul.
I hope I’m wrong!
Interesting that of the 6 games Paul mentions in which Hearts dropped points five were away from home and the only home game was against us.
In other words, those games involve two factors :-
1. They are aware from home and
2. The game involves us.
Both of those factors are in play tomorrow and that has to be in the players’ heads, as will the fact that their defeat of us came during the Nancy interregnum. Who knows whether 1986 will be in there but it definitely will be in the minds of the older fans.
My point is I believe their confidence will be more fragile than Derek McInnes will allow to be portrayed.
It’s essential that we start well.
Get a goal early and let’s see what they are made of.
Good afternoon all from the Orchard Park, leafy Giffnock.
I have this nagging gut feeling I can’t shake…
This has a feel of our 97/98 season for Hearts
A last minute goal a few days before was a gut punch but we got the job done the following week
Hope I’m wrong
🍀
B-)
Scotland style coverage galvanising Celtic. They advertised potential title deciders for weeks, until it became their empty reality.
Smell the glove two days in May
Miraculous MON 🇮🇪 ☘️
SaintStivs – I heard Herr Rohl saying summit to the effect that Tavs actions/ego was part of something that needed fixed.
I care not much for Danny and less for Tavpen; my observation is that no matter what the basket case of asses do, they revert to type. Idolise, deify then vilify when it all goes Pete Tong.
Anyways, I feel we have the measure of Hearts and we should know to win games og this magnitude. 🍀
I am puzzled some by the narrative around “that penalty” award.
They keep saying –
Considering the context of the game.
What has the fixture context got to to with the award ? are they, the media and hearts supporters there in, or more accurately anyone but Celtic mouth pieces saying given the importance of the possible result, then you cannot award penalties via var ?
Considering the timing of the penalty given.
Again, if it is award in the first minute of in the last kick of the ball, what has that got to do with anything ? What is extra time played for ? to make up for the time lost due to breaks in the actual playing time. So what really is the problem ?
In any of the game recently, penalties to Hearts and/or Rangers would have been acceptable. Or indeed to Motherwell if it was against Celtic, but not to Motherwell if it was against Hearts or Rangers.
So I am looking for what the problem really is ?
Is it the award was for something called Celtic ?
bigrailroadblues on 15th May 2026 12:54 pm
Good afternoon all from the Orchard Park, leafy Giffnock.
————–
did you encounter any maroon ballons in embra yesterday, and tales to tell ?
tell Tom to post about the edinburgh celtic supporters journey tomorrow, that must be some experience,
Mistertaximan on 15th May 2026 12:23 pm
I disagree with your take on the Maeda situation.
Maeda had turned round and backed into the keeper.
There was zero chance of a penalty being given for that.
Cheers,
Weeron
Has McInnes been charged yet?
Tounekti or McCowan ?
That is the question
bournesouprecipe on 15th May 2026 1:12 pm
Tounekti or McCowan ?
That is the question
—————
Jamesie.
Am i the only one who thought 1 or 2 performances on Wednesday were of particular concern? Engels looked very unhappy and i was say lacked industry, and when Hatate came on i dont think he knew what urgencybor press was.
Look i get the benefit of players who have technical over physical abilities as evidenced by the first goal at the weekend, get 5 or 6 decent players around box and things can happen. And when they can feed 3 good goal scorers its fine – but at the moment we only really have 1 or 2 of those on the pitch at the moment, im not sure what happened to Bernardo or why the Ox isnt competing more , but something isnt quite right, and prob is when u think 4 subs will likely be needed at some point during the game – sar/ral/kel/jf – that only leaves 1 change in the engine room…..
Unleash……………..wee Jamesie 💨
SAINT STIVS
‘ Toupee or not Toupee?……that is the question ‘
Danny Rohl CSC
Belfastbhoy0 on 15th May 2026 1:17 pm
Am i the only one who thought 1 or 2 performances on Wednesday were of particular concern?
—————-
no players performance concerned me on wednesday.
If they boothered Martin or Shaun, maybe, but in both of them I trust.
Engels will be massive tomorrow, convinced of that.
’79 in the Jungle was a lot of fun. There may even have been away fans in there back then, can’t recall when that stopped. Those were the days.
Does anyone know how BIG JIMMY is and what his prediction is for SATURDAY ??????????????????????
MisterTaxiMan
“One last thing. With one drawing of a monitor, a peep on the whistle, and a finger pointed at the penalty spot, John Beaton has hopefully silenced those among us who have long questioned his professional integrity. He isn’t perfect, and he may be a Rangers man, but he can no longer justifiably be accused of willful bias after that call.”
Oh yes he can.
The number of times it takes VAR to get him to the right call for us (and to correct bad calls for the huns) negates this.
Stats on pens we’ve had from him per game pre and post VAR are enlightening.
We need to join the rest of the world, accept unconcious bias is a thing and declare allegiances and assign refs accordingly.
Until then, VAR as much as it can still be twisted, prevents a lot of injustice. Where it does not (Maeda goal, Alan Muir at Hibs?) it removes the excuses and can allow for consequences.
As I said on the night of the game, if the Maeda incident (and poss challenge that lead to our first goal) hadnt been missed (willfully ignored?) by both ref and VAR I dont think we get the handball call.
I missed this – thats what pressure looks like. Always the Bridesmaid right enough.
Mon the Celtic, leave them standing at the alter and crying in our chapel.
Imagine being 1 of their 694 tomorrow, it goes against you, you are scarred for life, like that documentary last week, Broken Hearts, the poor fella who had been at Dens 40 YEARS AGO, and said to the camera, I still cant talk about it.
——————
Statement from the Foundation of Hearts
All of us at the Foundation of Hearts congratulate our magnificent team and manager, Derek McInnes, on their outstanding achievements in this momentous season, and urge all Heart of Midlothian supporters to get right behind them for Saturday’s final game of the campaign.
We have, however, been extremely concerned by a number of refereeing and VAR decisions across the last two rounds of fixtures, which have had a significant impact on outcomes for Hearts and others. That this has occurred at such a crucial stage of the season is particularly disappointing. We understand that the club shares these concerns and has made representations to the football authorities seeking clarification on recent decisions.
At a time when Scottish football is subject to heightened scrutiny, both nationally and internationally, it is important that confidence in officiating standards is maintained.
We therefore call on those responsible for the officiating of Saturday’s match to ensure that the highest standards of decision-making are applied, so that the game is decided by the players on the pitch and the team is given the fair opportunity it has earned.
Chairman, Foundation of Hearts