Scoreboard pressure is how Brendan Rodgers described Celtic’s chance to crank up the title tension on Rangers.
Their talismanic No.8 back to his predatory best in the box, a clean sheet and a dominant display against a side that had troubled them all season. On top of all that, the all-important connection is back with the stands and Celtic are in a great place heading into next week’s Old Firm clash here, which could all but seal a third successive crown. It was party mode at full-time as ‘We shall not be moved’ boomed round the ground.
“We are going in the right direction but we’re not there yet. All we can do is prepare ourselves every day and see how it goes. But we will try to do our best on the day.” Hearts made the brighter start. Lawrence Shankland, who had scored in the three earlier meetings with Celtic, had an effort on goal after just a minute.
For a man in the final three weeks of a remarkable career the 37-year-old keeper is showing no signs of slowing down. Despite the lead, Celtic were struggling to find their flow and Cameron Carter-Vickers had to be alert to snuff out a couple of attacks in his own area. Hearts were playing neat stuff. They have a clear confidence on the ball under Naismith. But they also looked open to be hit on the counter.
Kyogo was desperate to grab his hat-trick but was just out of reach of O’Riley’s first-time volley across the six-yard box. Moments later Rowles got back to block as Kyogo prepared to pull the trigger.