Sunday presents a crucial tie for for Celtic for several reasons. Let us examine what is making the Hearts game so important.

Firstly, Hearts would have been expected to be in the bottom six this year. However, they have enjoyed tremendous success under manager Derek McInnes since he arrived last summer. Much discussion has surrounded Heart’s use of the data analytics software , Jamestown Analytics. How much this has contributed to their recent success is up for debate. However, They have not lost at home this season and they have already beaten us recently.

Although Hearts have their own injuries worries, they have been active in the transfer window and appear to be on an upward trajectory.

This Hearts team needs to be taken seriously and will provide a real test for us. A tough and intense game is expected from the start.

It has been debated on Celtic forums that poor transfer strategies over multiple seasons takes time to have a drastic negative effect. The result of this is now evident. An injury hit squad leaves Martin O’Neill with very few options from the bench and beyond.

The arrival mid week of Tomas Cvancara on loan offers some positivity and it is entirely possible the Czech striker will be given an opportunity over the weekend.

After a colossal effort on Thursdays’ Europa league contest against Bolonga, the players are certainly feeling the effects. It will be fascinating to see the squad Martin O’Neill selects for the weekend and how the players react.

With equal games played, Celtic share second place with Rangers, trailing the league leaders, Hearts by 6 Points. If Celtic do not win on Sunday, our chance to take the title this year is becoming more unlikely.

It is obvious that Martin O’Neill has an ability to get players to perform above and beyond. This was clear again as they delivered a heroic performance, with 10 men to secure a point against Bologna on Thursday.

If the team can maintain such a level of determination and beat Hearts on Sunday, it will create the momentum we need for the vital European tie with Utrecht four days later.

I may sound pessimistic, but it is simply a realistic assessment of the task at hand. I believe we can win on Sunday, the questions however is, do the players believe ?