Celtic out to stay focused

ANGE Postecoglou insists a Celtic win over chasing Hearts tonight will have no more significance than three cinch Premiership points.

The Hoops sit second in the league table, two points ahead of the Jambos, who are viewing the trip to Glasgow as a chance to leapfrog their opponents.

Asked if he saw the match as an opportunity instead to widen the gap between the two sides, Postecoglou said: “I think my players are just looking forward to a game at Celtic Park, playing our football and winning.

“Statement games are at the back end of the season. Let’s just keep our pistols in our holsters for a little while.

“We are just going to play each game as we have so far. I have said a few times, you can get distracted by so many shiny objects everywhere.

“What we want to do is make sure when we play our football on a game day we are ready for that challenge, because if you start thinking that somehow a result tomorrow gets you something shiny and glittery you lose focus on what is important.

“Our form has been good because we have been concentrating on and respecting every opponent and that is what we will do tomorrow.”

Postecoglou, who will have Nir Bitton and Tom Rogic fit and available again, acknowledged the qualities of the Tynecastle side. He said: “They are a good team, they have been consistent, they have an outstanding keeper (Craig Gordon) who has been in great form this year, they are well-structured, they work hard as a team, they have some speed up front.

“They have their strengths like all the other teams, but we prepare the same way as for any other opponent and for us it is still about the football we play.”

Ange Postecoglou