Back in July, after a 1-0 defeat by Lincoln Red Imps it looked like Celtic fans were in for a long painful season.
Within six weeks Brendan Rodgers had steered the squad he had inherited, plus two important imports, through to the group phase of the Champions League and laid the groundwork for a treble bid.
The evolution of the team has been rapid with a surprisingly big turnaround in players from that opening match in Gibraltar.
Only four of the side that started against Lincoln Red Imps are likely to be on the Tynecastle team-sheet.
Back in July Scott Sinclair was starting pre-season with Aston Villa unaware of how vital his role would be in the success of Rodgers’ side.
The team started to evolve during the three rounds of qualifiers, by the time Manchester City arrived in September every aspect of the side had been transformed.
When Celtic matched Borussia Monchengladbach in Matchday Four of the Champions League it was clear that something spectacular was underway.
If the league is won next weekend it certainly won’t be the end, it’ll only be the beginning as a previous Irish manager remarked.
CRAIG GORDON
Started the season as first choice but there were a number of wobbles and no surprise when Dorus de Vries was bought and brought into the side.
Gordon took his medicine, tried harder than ever in training and took his chance with both hands when he returned to favour.
With a new contract signed he is keeping the Rodgers way and looks certain to be first choice keeper for the next few seasons.
SAIDY JANKO
Has never convinced as a defender, decent going forward but lacking in basic defensive skills.
A disastrous display away to Hapoel almost cost Celtic their place in the group phase of the Champions League, within days he was sent on loan to Barnsley.
It hasn’t happened for him out on loan but there are still more than two years left on his Celtic contract.
EFE AMBROSE
If there was going to be a fall guy in this defeat it was going to be Efe, there was, he was.
While most players seemed to start afresh under Brendan Rodgers it just never happened for Efe, by the time of the return leg against Astana his Celtic career was virtually over.
He seems happier and picking up his career reunited with Neil Lennon at Hibs, his Celtic contract expires at the end of the season.
ERIK SVIATCHENKO
The first choice and almost only choice central defender at the start of the season. An injury at home to Lincoln Red Imps was greeted with dismay.
He was the most regularly picked defender through the first half of the season but his form and the emergence of Dedryck Boyata since the split has put his place in question.
Three into two doesn’t go in central defence with Boyata the most likely starter at Tynecastle.
KIERAN TIERNEY
Blameless in this defeat, he didn’t need much time to convince Rodgers that left-back was one position that was well covered.
The arrival of Scott Sinclair brought an added dimension to his game with the two players establishing an instant rapport.
Still a teenager his game is going from strength to strength, his top form will have a big bearing on how this season is remembered.
SCOTT BROWN
The skipper had an off night in Gibraltar but was soon justifying the faith of his new manager.
Against Hapoel at home his personality and desire drove the team on when another disaster was looming.
He’ll be looking forward to a Tynecastle celebration and the prospect of leading his side from the front to a treble.
NIR BITTON
Started away to Lincoln but was replaced by the time of the qualifiers against Astana.
His season has been one of ups and downs, the emergence of Stuart Armstrong and Tom Rogic have put his place under threat.
Rogic’s return looks like ending his current run in the first team, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he was sold this summer.
TOM ROGIC
Grabbed his chance with both hands.
His real position was never really known under Ronny Deila but Rodgers knew where to maximise his strengths.
In front of the midfield, behind the striker he hit double figures before Christmas but was put out of action, his return will be a big boost in the run in to the season.
RYAN CHRISTIE
It looked like a big call when he was picked for this fixture but he was replaced by James Forrest before an hour was played.
He’s certainly got something but just hasn’t been able to do enough in his limited appearances.
A loan deal to Aberdeen should have given him a platform but his arrival seems to have inspired the players already at the club into top form.
LEIGH GRIFFITHS
Never seemed comfortable as a support player to Dembele but he was soon the first choice striker until a hamstring injury halted his run in the side.
Dembele didn’t need a second chance with Griffiths now on the outside looking in.
There is certainly a role for the former Wolves striker, his goal average is impressive but doubts will remain over his future until he can convince Rodgers of his personal commitment.
MOUSSA DEMBELE
It didn’t look great for the birthday bhoy as he toiled on the astroturf.
He made his first statement with a crucial penalty scored against Astana, when Griffiths injured a hamstring Dembele took his chance second time around.
With 32 goals to his name he is known across Europe, the potential is being realised with the trust and confidence of his manager.