We want a Celtic spark
MICHAEL SMITH admits beating Celtic in today’s Premiership opener would give Hearts a much-needed lift after the sacking of Ian Cathro.
The former Peterborough full-back insists the Jambos players carry the can for the 31-year-old head coach’s axeing earlier this week.
With all the negativity off the pitch, Smith reckons Hearts owe the fans a big result – and there would be no better time to end the Hoops’ Invincible league run under Brendan Rodgers this weekend.
The Northern Irishman said: “It’s a results business. The players haven’t performed for Ian.
“When people get sacked it is the players’ fault. I feel that anyway. Some people might not feel that but the players have to take responsibility.
“I knew there would be pressure playing here. That’s why I came to Hearts – to try and win trophies for such a big club.
“The response from the fans after the Dunfermline game did shock me and some of the other new boys as well.
“But I totally understand it. The Kyle loves things like that. He’s probably had it his whole career. I’m sure he’ll let the Celtic fans know when he scores.”
Meanwhile, Stephen Craigan might have got it spot on but he insists he takes no pleasure in seeing Cathro come a cropper at Hearts.
The BT Sport pundit was branded a “dinosaur” for being critical of his appointment but insists he was never qualified for the job.
Craigan said: “It was nothing personal with Ian, I just gave a different perspective.
“I don’t take satisfaction with what’s happened. You have to earn the right to be a manager and I don’t think Ian had. There was too much hype around Cathro.
“The dinosaur stuff was ridiculous. It diminishes all the good work and dedication of coaches”
● BT Sport have launched a new predictor game giving fans the chance to challenge friends and pundits Craigan and Chris Sutton. See www.btsport.com/predictor