“Every team has a weakness – but they’re by far the best team,” Hearts boss

The Celtic Star

·29 marzo 2025

“Every team has a weakness – but they’re by far the best team,” Hearts boss

Neil Critchley is optimistic that his first experience at Celtic Park has provided him with the blueprint to defeat the Scottish champions on their home ground…

Hearts boss Neil Critchley. Hearts v Celtic, 23 November 2024. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

The Hearts manager’s visit to Glasgow’s east end two weeks ago was his first time stepping foot inside Paradise.

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Critchley’s first visit to Celtic Park was recent Glasgow Derby

Critchley witnessed theRangers secure a dramatic 3-2 Glasgow Derby victory, and while the Englishman is fully aware of the challenge ahead in delivering another home defeat to Brendan Rodgers’ side, he believes it proves Celtic are vulnerable.

Hearts faced a setback this week as Gerald Taylor suffered an MCL injury while on international duty with Costa Rica. However, Critchley may have Jamie McCart available for this afternoon’s trip to Celtic Park.

Hearts boss Neil Critchley. Hearts v Celtic, 23 November 2024. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

He said: “You need a top performance from everyone. You need everyone to step up to the challenge. You need everyone to perform, whether that’s starting or coming off the bench. You need to go with the right mentality. You know it’s going to be tough. You know at times in the game you’re going to have to suffer. You have to be good at suffering. But you have to believe in what you’re doing.

“You need to be clinical when you create the moments”

“The mentality is really crucial. You need to be clinical when you create the moments that hopefully you can create by how you play the game. You see theRangers and how they approach the game and the success that they got from that. You’re hopeful of something similar, even if you’re maybe going to do it in a slightly different way.”

Critchley added: “Every team has a weakness – but they’re by far the best team! That was their first home defeat all season. They’re an outstanding team. They’re top players, really well-coached, managers incredible in what he’s done and what he’s achieved.”

Brendan Rodgers and Neil Critchley. Hearts v Celtic, 23 November 2024. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

“It was a brilliant experience. What a great stadium”

“But it’s why you’re in football. I’d never been to a Celtic Park before. I know lots of the players have. I went to the Old Firm (sic) game. It was a brilliant experience. What a great stadium. It’s where you want to go. You want to test yourself against the best, knowing you’re going to have to be at your best.”

“We need everyone to step up to the challenge. But when you pull on the maroon jersey, when you play for hearts, there’s some non-negotiables. We have to go and compete, fight and be brave in how we want to play the game.”

Hearts squad update ahead of Celtic Park visit

Although Taylor is sidelined with injury, McCart may return alongside Cammy Devlin, and defenders Frankie Kent, Stephen Kingsley, and Craig Halkett have all increased their training efforts this week to be match fit for today’s encounter.

Hamza Igamane of theRangers scores his team’s third goal during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and theRangers at Celtic Park on March 16, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

The Hearts boss outlined: “Gerald got injured on international duty with his knee. So, he arrived back yesterday. We’ve assessed him today. Someone fell on him. It’s like MCL on the inside of his knee. Looks like he’ll be out for a few weeks. So, that’s some fortunate news for him and for us. Everyone else, some players are getting closer because they’ve trained this week.

“So, it was nice to have Frankie Kent, Stephen Kingsley and Craig Halkett back on the pitch at the same time. Their presence on the pitch was welcomed as they’re experienced players. Jamie McCart has trained the last couple of days. I think that’s it. Aidan Denholm is still out. So, a little bit mixed, if you like. Gerald missing, but the others are stepping up their training. I’ve trained this week, which has been really positive.”

Conor Spence

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