Paul Hartley believes Martin O’Neill is battling to keep a disjointed Celtic side in the title race, but feels Hearts are now best placed to take the crown, with Rangers close behind.
The former Scotland international says Sunday’s clash at Tynecastle could be decisive. If Hearts deliver a damaging blow, Hartley fears Celtic may not recover. He knows from experience that comebacks are possible, having been part of Gordon Strachan’s team that overturned an eight point deficit to beat Rangers to the title in 2008. However, he senses this situation feels very different.
Celtic head to Gorgie facing the prospect of falling nine points behind. While O’Neill has managed to grind out results since replacing Wilfried Nancy, performances have lacked fluency and clarity. At the same time, Hartley notes that Celtic’s lack of transfer activity contrasts sharply with the decisive business being done by Hearts and Rangers.
Asked if he is worried about Celtic’s title chances, Hartley said he is. He believes Hearts are currently in the strongest position, based on their consistency and what they have shown so far this season.
A defeat on Sunday would be hugely damaging. Hartley, who played for both clubs, feels Celtic cannot afford to lose. While they have escaped difficult situations before, he is unsure whether this group has the momentum to do it again.
He pointed to Hearts’ impressive form, particularly at home, where they remain unbeaten in the league. He also referenced Rangers’ quality, having watched them closely in recent weeks, describing them as a team that knows how to win even when not at their best.
Hartley highlighted the contrast in atmosphere between the clubs. Celtic, in his view, lack cohesion and belief, something he feels was evident even in their narrow Scottish Cup win over Auchinleck Talbot. He compared the current mood to his own title-winning season, saying the energy and unity do not feel the same at Parkhead right now.
In contrast, Hearts appear united and confident. Hartley likened the feeling around Tynecastle to the early days of the 2005-06 season under George Burley, when optimism and togetherness were clear. He believes that connection between manager, players and supporters is giving Hearts a major edge.
Despite this, Hartley accepts O’Neill is doing enough to keep Celtic competitive. He pointed to experienced figures like Callum McGregor as key leaders, but still feels something is missing across the club as a whole.
Celtic injuries have not helped, with Jota, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Alistair Johnston all sidelined. Hartley added that if Hearts manage to win despite missing Cammy Devlin through suspension and dealing with injuries to Beni Baningime and Lawrence Shankland, it would underline their credentials even further.
Hartley was full of praise for Hearts boss Derek McInnes, crediting him with bringing unity and belief to the club. He said the excitement among supporters is obvious, with demand for tickets far exceeding availability, and noted that only a small number of Celtic fans will be inside the stadium, making the atmosphere heavily tilted in Hearts’ favour.
He also highlighted Hearts’ recruitment, describing it as smart and efficient. While other clubs spend millions without guarantees, Hearts have found value at lower costs and are getting strong performances in return. Hartley believes their record against Celtic and Rangers this season shows their threat, adding that goals always seem likely from this group.
The Cove Rangers manager admitted he would love to see Hearts succeed, calling the current title race refreshing and long overdue. He praised the stability at Tynecastle, pointing to experienced leadership, a supportive board and strong backing behind the scenes.
Hartley concluded by saying the competition at the top has been missing for too long. This season, he feels, finally has the ingredients for a genuine title battle that could run all the way to the final weeks.