When it comes to giving younger players their chance Brendan Rodgers leaves nothing to chance.
In December at home to Partick Thistle Calvin Miller made his debut as a left-back, earlier this month against St Johnstone the hoops boss got bolder with Tony Ralston and Mikey Johnston both starting the match.
Rather than give players a token 15 minutes towards the end of a match that has already been won Rodgers likes them to be involved in something meaningful.
Thursday’s clash with Partick Thistle will have enough bite about it to keep the hoops at full power as they close in on the first ever Scottish team to complete a top flight season undefeated.
After the win over Aberdeen last week Rodgers highlighted the close proximity of the Partick Thistle and Hearts matches- two matches in less than three days ahead of a cup final will require some squad rotation.
There are a number of players that could be drafted in over the next two matches but for Rodgers there would be no greater thrill than helping develop a young player through the ranks into a Champions League player.
With that in mind the following players are ready, willing and able to make their mark at Firhill.
LIAM HENDERSON
Firhill certainly holds great memories for the midfielder back in 2014 he scored his first goal for the club as three-in-a-row was secured.
There have been times this season when he has looked close top making the big breakthrough under Brendan Rodgers but other times when he has failed to make the substitute bench.
With serious investment in the team expected in the summer some tough times and big decisions are looming- hopefully Henderson can get a chance to remind everyone of his ability to perform for CELTIC
EBOUE KOUASSI
Sightings of the only January signing have been extremely elusive, not helped by a mild bout of malaria that struck soon after signing.
With Scott Brown back from suspension Kouassi couldn’t ask for a better mentor to steer him through the tetchy waters next to the Firhill basin.
There’s a lot of expectations on the African youngster ahead of next season, the more game time he can get, even in a virtual dead rubber, the better as he comes to terms with the demands of Scottish football and expectations of Celtic.
JACK AITCHISON
There is a real chance that Moussa Dembele won’t be fit for the Scottish Cup Final against Aberdeen on May 27 leaving Leigh Griffiths as the only other striker.
Aitchison is the next player in line and has enjoyed two runs off the bench this season to add to his explosive debut against Motherwell last season.
With Griffiths having his only injury problems this season it would be wise to give Jack a run at some stage against Thistle.
He scored for the u17’s in their 6-0 win at Kilmarnock on Monday, the u-17’s play Motherwell at the same time as the Thistle match with preparations for the Scottish Cup Final the priority.