GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - APRIL 11: Celtic huddle ahead of kick off during the William Hill Premiership between Celtic and St. Mirren at Celtic Park on April 11, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images)
Martin O’Neill has named the Celtic side that started at Motherwell for today’s SPFL title decider against Hearts.
Wednesday’s match took a lot out of the team but the same XI will start today with just one change on the bench.
Reo Hatate, used as a substitute in the last two matches isn’t on today’s bench. Callum Osmand is included, he last played away to Midtjylland in November when he suffered a hamstring injury.
Clearly O’Neill has faith in the squad with 10 of the 11 starting their third match in a week.
Sebastian Tounekti replaced Luke McCowan for the win over Motherwell and retains his place for today’s showdown.
Substitutes are likely to play their part with Kelechi Iheanacho coming off the bench to score the winning goal in three of Celtic’s last six matches.
BACKGROUND TO CELTIC V HEARTS
Celtic have yet to beat Hearts this season. Equally Martin O’Neill has yet to lose to Derek McInnes’ side.
In October Celtic lost 3-1 at Tynecastle in what turned out to be Brendan Rodgers’ final match in charge.
It took until December to install a replacement, with Hearts the first side to face Wilfried Nancy.
A new formation was installed, a hand held tactics board appeared in the dug-out with Head of Football Operations Paul Tisdale falling asleep during a 2-1 defeat.
Tomas Cvancara made his debut as Celtic drew 2-2 away to Hearts in January. A red card for Auston Trusty proving pivotal as Celtic conceded a late equaliser.
Over 37 rounds of fixtures Celtic have battled against a variety of issues.
Today they are presented with 90 minutes to win their fifth successive SPFL Premiership title.
Don Robertson will referee today’s match with Kevin Clancy in the VAR room.
Hearts have left Claudio Braga on the bench.
CELTIC: Sinisalo; Johnston, Trusty, Scales, Tierney; McGregor, Engels, Nygren; Yang, Maeda, Tounekti
SUBS: Doohan, McCowan, Iheanacho, Osmand, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Saracchi, Murray, Forrest, Ralston
PFA Scotland Premiership Player of the Year Claudio Braga named on bench for Hearts in title decider against Celtic ?
Celtic name unchanged side from team that beat Motherwell on Wednesday ? pic.twitter.com/WGybdc2k8y
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) May 16, 2026
Last post before it starts…
Pleeeeeeeeeeeeze – Just one mor, just one more lung busting effort St.Martin and The Bhoys…
Best Wishes, Good Luck and God Bless ! – xx –
Fae Clachy !!!