Celtic’s youth side are back in the firing line against Hearts today just three days after losing 5-1 to Barcelona, kick off 1pm at Barrowfield
An eight game winning run came to a shuddering halt as the Catalans turned on the style to end Celtic’s interest in the Next Gen Series.
The Celtic coaching staff have the task of lifting the players to face the league leaders with coach John Kennedy desperate to see his side back in action.
“I think this is a bigger test than playing Barcelona,” Kennedy claimed. “We went over there with our confidence high, we really thought that we could give Barcelona a game.
“Unfortunately it didn’t happen, we didn’t play as we can and this game with Hearts is about character. That’s something that you have to have to be a first team player at Celtic and the Hearts match is the ideal opportunity to prove that.
“They have the chance to show that they are made of sterner stuff than they showed in Barcelona. We know the ability that they have.
“We were back training on Friday and there was a bit of a buzz about the players again and they want to get back on track after the midweek disappointment- the sooner a game comes the better.
“We spoke after the game (against Barcelona) we were honest with them and told them our thoughts. Now they have the opportunity to bounce back, we’re looking for a reaction in the next game to show the character of the players.
“We have great players who never show their true worth against Barcelona.”
Hearts are currently four points ahead of Celtic but have played two games more but crucially in the 22 game league Celtic won 2-0 away to Hearts in September.
Kennedy added: “Away to Hearts we played really well, it was a tough game but we won 2-0 with a good performance, a good team performance.
“I’m excited about this game, sometimes you get a sense as a coach about how the boys will react and hopefully I’ll see a positive reaction, that’s the feeling I have.”
CLICK HERE for how Dylan McGeough played his way back to Celtic
CLICK HERE for Video Celts TV
Follow Video Celts on Twitter, Facebook
MON THE WEANS….