As Hearts get set to host Celtic at Tynecastle on Sunday, Chris Sutton has offered some pointed advice to his former manager Martin O’Neill.
Celtic have yet to solve the Premiership leaders this season, with Hearts already beating both Glasgow giants home and away. Another victory would see the Edinburgh side open up a nine-point gap with 15 matches still to play.
After weeks of calls from supporters to sign a recognised striker, Celtic finally moved this week by bringing in Tomas Cvancara on loan from Borussia Monchengladbach. Following the Europa League draw with Bologna, O’Neill suggested the Czech international could be ready for the weekend. Sutton, however, is not convinced the timing is ideal.
Cvancara thrown in at the deep end
Writing in his Daily Record column, Sutton questioned whether the new arrival should be rushed straight into such a demanding fixture.
He said: “Tomas Cvancara might say he’s ready for Tynecastle, but he’s been dropped into a very difficult situation. Taking 22 days of January to get the striker in was far from ideal, and while that’s not his fault, it is not the best preparation for a game of this scale.
“Of course he’ll say he’s good to go. What else would you expect? Celtic could do with fresh legs after a draining night in Bologna, but asking him to immediately make an impact against Hearts would be a big ask.”
The 25-year-old’s situation has drawn comparisons with former Celtic boss Wilfried Nancy, whose first match in charge also came against the league leaders. That afternoon ended in a 2-1 defeat at Parkhead and proved an ominous start to a difficult spell.
Hearts injury problems could be decisive
Hearts head into the clash with their own issues, with Lawrence Shankland and Cammy Devlin both sidelined for up to two months. Sutton believes those absences could be crucial, even if Celtic are also feeling the effects of their European exertions.
He added: “Celtic will be dealing with fatigue and will need to dig deep again after a short turnaround. But Hearts face a mental challenge of their own. Losing Cammy Devlin and Beni Baningime leaves them light in midfield, and not having Lawrence Shankland is a massive blow.
“I’m a big admirer of Shankland. He offers far more than goals, he links everything together at the top end of the pitch. Derek McInnes has done a tremendous job this season, but missing three of your most influential players and leaders is a serious test. The squad has options, but this is a moment that will really examine Hearts’ resolve.”