Ange feeling more Bhoyant
Today, 3pm
CELTIC manager Ange Postecoglou has warned his players they cannot assume they will have it any easier against Hearts this afternoon, despite making clear progress since losing at Tynecastle last month.
Postecoglou’s side get a swift chance to avenge their opening league fixture defeat, in today’s Premier Sports Cup clash.
Celtic have scored 13 goals in three victories since that humbling 2-1 loss at Hearts.
Japan star Kyogo Furuhashi has netted four times since making his
Bhoys debut off the bench at Tynecastle, while defender Carl Starfelt has had more game time since his shaky beginning against the Jambos.
Celtic have also added keeper Joe Hart, who almost brought the house down with a double stop in Thursday’s 3-0 Europa League win over Jablonec, while Tom Rogic has been reintroduced to the Celtic midfield to excellent effect.
Former Australia coach Postecoglou said: “In the first game against Hearts I thought we were really competitive, we controlled it for large parts really well and they kind of nullified our threats a little bit. We have made progress since then, and playing at home is an opportunity to make an impact in the competition.
“For that first league game Carl had only had one session, Kyogo met us at the hotel and a couple of the others didn’t play pre-season.
“We are a bit further down the track now, our football is improving a little bit, but that’s not to say it’s going to be an easier game for us or one we will naturally dominate.
“We have got to work hard, and cup games always have a little bit of an edge.”