History makers end league

season undefeated in all competitions.

It wasn’t a vintage display by Rodgers’ side yesterday by any means, but that was of little consequence in the greater scheme of things on an occasion when the Celtic support came to celebrate the ruthlessly consistent efficiency Rodgers has brought to their club.

His team were worthy winners in the end, courtesy of a much improved second-half performance which eventually saw them exert their superiority over Ian Cathro’s team.

Celtic had made a curious and uncharacteristically tepid start to the contest from which they subsequently found it difficult to gather the kind of attacking momentum which has been the hallmark of their dominant campaign.

Hearts, with 19-year-old Jamie Brandon handed his debut as right wing-back in a compact 3-5-2 formation, understandably arrived with containment in mind but their strategy was not wholly lacking in ambition.

Cathro’s men actually created the first opening of the afternoon. Bjorn Johnsen, retaining his place in the side despite his midweek bust up with the head coach, was unable to connect cleanly enough with his header when picked out by Don Cowie’s inviting cross in the second minute.

A free-kick from Griffiths ruffled the outside of Viktor Noring’s net, while Kieran Tierney fired narrowly over from 25 yards, but Celtic were finding it problematic to cut open their obdurate opponents.