Lafferty’s classy strike sees Hearts outmuscle Rodgers’ troubled troops
If there is any truth in the saying what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, Celtic will fly out to Athens this afternoon with their players’ muscles bulging to bursting point. For this visit to Tynecastle, sandwiched between crucial Champions League qualifiers against AEK, was as tough a domestic outing as the Hoops may face all season long. With tackles flying in from all parts, every loose ball contested as if the outcome would decide not just the match but the season, and the famous old ground a cauldron of noise from start to finish, it was a severe examination. It wasn’t one for the fainthearted, and it was the last thing Hoops manager Brendan Rodgers needed after a week which has seen his relationship with his board come under scrutiny. Not that Hearts cared, with Kyle Lafferty hitting the only goal of the game, they claimed what was another stirring victory over Scotland’s reigning champions. “This has proved that we can be competitive and we edged the match. We were focused, we were fit, we lasted right to the end,” said jubilant boss Craig Levein. “The squad is better balanced. Some of the players have hit the ground running, others aren’t up to speed yet, but once everyone is, I’ll be able to tell for sure what we’re capable of. “Brendan had serious decisions to make. The Champions League is worth a hell of a lot more money to them than beating Hearts in a league game. “I’m absolutely positive he was confident he could do both.” “But right now I just want to enjoy winning against Celtic because its not an easy thing to do.” As Levein said, Celtic’s team selection had more than one eye on the pursuit of a possible Champions League windfall. Five of the starting line-up against AEK Athens in midweek were dropped to the subs bench to be rested for Tuesday’s return in the Greek capital. And though Odsonne Edouard, Oilvier Ntcham, Tom Rogic, James Forrest and Kris Ajer were all on hand if required, there was no doubt that their absence weakened the visitors. That didn’t detract from a great Hearts performance, with the Edinburgh side very lively from the off. Lafferty had a header saved, while the direct and physically imposing Uche Ikpeazu gave Jozo Simunovic a torrid time. With Steven Naismith also putting himself about, it was a tough return to action for the Bosnian internationalist who was very fortunate not to concede a penalty when he gave a twohanded push which sent Naismith sprawling in the box. In fairness, Naismith himself got a free pass when referee Jon Beaton missed his sly kick on Jonny Hayes as the Celt lay helpless on the ground. Celtic were still a threat, though, with Scott Sinclair blazing a left-foot shot wide after a slick passing move sprung him in behind the home backline. Leigh Griffiths, another given a rare chance to shine, and very much a familiar foe to Hearts, was also a danger. Shortly before the break, he wriggled his way across the Hearts box and beyond keeper Zdenek Zlamal and sent in a goal-bound effort that Michael Smith had to clear off his line. Hearts saved the goal in blocking the attack, but lost their skipper as Christophe Berra had to be stretchered off with a twisted knee, the defender having caught his foot in the turf. They shrugged the loss off, though, to grab the lead with a storming goal. Ikpeazu broke down the left and curled a cross inside from where the fast-arriving Lafferty caught the ball on the volley, and smashed it past Craig Gordon with the outside of his left boot to send the home fans wild. Brendan Rodgers threw on Forrest, Rogic and Eduoard in an effort to pull it back, but it was too late. The horse had bolted.