After a variety of Celtic experiences Brendan Rodgers will get a ‘Welcome to Scotland’ tomorrow at Tynecastle with a full-blooded introduction to the domestic game.
Going to Tynecastle is a fixture that challenges and tests Celtic players more than most- and with the exception of a 2-2 festive draw last season- a fixture that the hoops tend to thrive in.
With former Hibees Scott Brown and Leigh Griffiths in the ranks there is plenty of addition incentives but tomorrow it’s all about picking up three points and putting down a marker for the challengers to the champions.
The homeside will be boosted by the presence of Tony Watt but uncertainty and speculation continue to surround Robbie Neilson despite what appears to the outsider to be sterling work.
Next weekend Celtic will be in Limerick to take on Inter Milan meaning that full points is more important than usual- playing catch up around the Champions League qualifiers with Hapoel Beer Sheva isn’t recommended.
With all those factors involved- and with Patrick Roberts, Nir Bitton and Erik Sviachenko missing through injury- Rodgers will field his strongest side, CLICK HERE for the side to bury Hearts to make it a great opening weekend to the domestic campaign.
CRAIG GORDON
The former Hearts keeper will be under more pressure than usual when he returns to Tynecastle.
Both goals lost against Astana were down to his errors, suddenly a position in the team that was looked on as fairly settled is being questioned.
While a settled back four would clearly help the keeper Gordon’s experience and know how should provide a settling effect on those in front of him. A clean sheet would work wonders.
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SAIDY JANKO
Against Astana he started to look like the player he was profiled as when Ronny Deila signed him from Manchester United.
There were no slip ups against Astana, he communicated well with his fellow defenders and supported the attacking moves responsibly.
A run in the team is badly needed to build confidence and understanding, at right-back or wing-back he should have the making of Hearts.
 
MIKAEL LUSTIG
Performed perfectly against Astana both in central defence and when pushed out to right back to accommodate Kolo Toure.
The Swede knows his way around Tynecastle and can provide the perfect foil for Eoghan O’Connell against Hearts rugged direct approach. Tony Watt won’t be handing out pleasantries!
With his experience Lustig can grow into a real leader in this Celtic side, last season wasn’t too happy a time but the omens for the new campaign look promising.
 
EOGHAN O’CONNELL
The young Irishman is living the dream- under the greatest of scrutiny.
Match by match he is becoming the assured, ball playing but physical asset that he has developed into over the last few seasons.
Now with the exposure to top team football he is taking the responsibility and expectations in his stride.
After an outstanding start to the season another impressive display at Tynecastle will help cement his place in the team.
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KIERAN TIERNEY
Nothing to worry about with KT as he takes each challenge in his stride.
A year ago he was on the outside looking in as Tyler Blackett was signed up as cover for Emilio Izaguirre- these days there is only one option for the left side of the Celtic defence.
Tynecastle will provide a ‘lively’ atmosphere, having someone in the team that ‘knows the history’ can only help the side, no one will be going for it more than Tierney.
 
CALLUM MCGREGOR
Without any fanfare he looks to be winning the intense battle for a place in Brendan Rodgers midfield.
In recent games he has been playing deep in central midfield, with Stefan Johansen back he should get more space to operate coming in off the right flank.
Not a direct replacement for Patrick Roberts but wing play is generally difficult at Tynecastle giving McGregor scope to cut inside and use his shooting skills.
 
SCOTT BROWN
The skipper seems to be thriving off the praise and attention shown to him by Rodgers.
He knows and loves going to Tynecastle where he has a more than decent scoring record. This type of fixture is bread and butter for the Scotland skipper and one he loves to be in the thick of.
Wherever there are flashpoints he won’t be far away- he’ll also be at the centre of the action as Celtic go to send out an opening day message to the challengers.
 
STEFAN JOHANSEN
Rodgers showed his trust in the Norwegian by sending him on to replace the injured Patrick Roberts against Astana.
The player and the club are in a delicate position at the moment in relation to a contract and interest from Galatasaray but Rodgers is a pragmatic manager and is likely to opt for experience alongside Scott Brown.
As he has shown so far the Celtic boss is bold with his substitutions, if Johansen or anyone else isn’t doing their job there’s someone on the bench waiting to step into their place.
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SCOTT SINCLAIR
With a full pre-season behind him there’s no reason not to throw the former Aston Villa man in for his Celtic debut.
Ninety minutes of action at Tynecastle will provide him with a crash course in all things SPFL and what is expected of a Celtic player.
With the home leg against Hapoel Beer Sheva ten days away Sinclair needs as much minutes as possible with his new team-mates- winning minutes will be even better.
 
MOUSSA DEMBELE
After his winning penalty against Astana the confidence of the former Fulham striker will be sky high.
Alongside Leigh Griffiths he’ll provide the Hearts defence with plenty to worry about with his pace and physical presence. A goal or two won’t do him any harm either.
Developing his partnership with the one time Hibs striker will do Dembele a power of good as he kicks on from that vital penalty strike that ended the resistance of Astana.
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LEIGH GRIFFITHS
A striker made for this fixture, you could almost set up a standing order for a goal and booking for his celebrations when it comes to a trip to Gorgie.
His first ever Celtic goal came at Tynecastle and like Tommy Coyne and Mark McGhee he seems to get an extra buzz out of scoring against the maroons.
An ankle injury seemed to dull his effectiveness against Astana, the sight of Tynecastle and the chance to start the new campaign with a vital win should bring out the best in the Scotland striker.