Without doubt Gary Hooper likes nothing better than lining up against Hearts.
The sight of Andy Webster and co seems to bring out the best in the Celtic striker who has scored 12 goals against the Gorgie side in 10 appearances.
In the final game of last season he notched an SPL record of five in one match and Celtic collected the SPL trophy and netted at Tynecastle earlier this season.
It took the striker just 90 seconds to put Celtic in front yesterday when he slid into the six yard box to convert a pass from Adam Matthews before finishing the game off in the 85th minute with a typical opportunist strike past Jamie McDonald.
After going two goals down after 15 minutes Hearts would probably have accepted a 4-1 defeat with Neil Lennon delighted with the way his side returned from the winter break.
“I thought we were great today,” the hoops boss said. “From more or less start to finish that’s the way I’d like us to play, particularly at home.
“We lost our way for ten minutes, but overall I’m delighted with the quality of the play and the performance. My only criticism is I’d like us to put away teams earlier.
“Some of the football we played in the first half was the best we’ve played for a long time and I think we’ve entertained the fans as well today.”
Hooper’s performance captured the headlines but the man-of-the-match award was a close run thing between Adam Matthews and Victor Wanyama.
For less than £1m the two players were brought to the club 18 months ago with their current value anyone’s guess.
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Sign a new contract Gary, no club is bigger than Celtic, stay & become a Legend like Henrik!
We got off to a flier and never really looked back, although Hearts were hit by injury. Nothing should detract from what was a fine performance with several outstanding displays. The final score still flatters Hearts as it could easily have been doubled.
Players looked sharp, hungry and in the mood after the winter break.Difficult enough to play without our 2 main central defenders but to lose the first choice keeper and still win convincingly says much about Celtic’s strength in depth. Get well soon Fraser, feel much more confident with him between the sticks.
Why would Gary go to a small club When he has the best club in the world to play for every Sat
Why go to a small club When you can play in the C l every year and play for the best team on the planet