Robbie Neilson explains why Hearts are wary of facing a different Celtic in the Scottish Cup final

Discontent at Celtic won’t lull Hearts into a false sense of security ahead of the Scottish Cup final, according to manager Robbie Neilson.
Hearts and Celtic meet in the Scottish Cup final on Sunday, December 20.Hearts and Celtic meet in the Scottish Cup final on Sunday, December 20.
Hearts and Celtic meet in the Scottish Cup final on Sunday, December 20.

The clubs meet at Hampden Park a week on Sunday and Neilson will tell his players to ignore ructions in Glasgow’s east end, where Celtic fan protests have demanded the sacking of manager Neil Lennon.

A run of two wins in 12 has seen the Parkhead support turn on Lennon and the club hierarchy. Chief executive Peter Lawwell has publicly backed his manager, however.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Hearts hope to cause an upset in the cup final and won’t allow mounting problems at Celtic to compromise their focus.

Neilson pointed to players like Scott Brown and Callum McGregor as evidence of Celtic’s experience as they pursue an unprecedented quadruple treble.

“In football, when a team isn't doing as well as it has previously, there will always be rumblings in the background. It's important to remember Celtic have lost one cup tie in four years,” said Neilson.

“I know they haven't been great in the league but they still have two games in hand and they still have to play Rangers three times. There is still an opportunity there.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Celtic have players who have won a lot of trophies and played in big-pressure games. They are a team who can turn it round overnight.

“They play tonight and then again on Sunday. If they get back-to-back wins then it's a different beast you're facing.”

Celtic’s final Europa League tie is against Lille tonight before Kilmarnock’s league visit on Sunday. Hearts play Queen of the South at Tynecastle on Saturday in their last match before the final.

Read More
Ann Budge approves Hearts' January signing plan

A message from the editor: Thank you for reading this article. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by Coronavirus impacts our advertisers. If you haven't already, please consider supporting our sports coverage with a digital sports subscription.