Celtic are slipping in the race for their Premiership title, but they still have a final opportunity to rescue what has largely been a disappointing season.
Hearts are setting the pace at the summit of the Premiership standings, with Rangers in second place and Celtic sitting five points behind in third.
There is growing curiosity about how the post-split schedule will unfold, as Charlie Mulgrew believes fifth-placed Hibernian could face a ‘crazy’ predicament.
“Do you know who is in a mad position?” stated Mulgrew.
“Hibs are in a crazy position. They have to play Celtic and Rangers. They know they are helping Hearts. What a mad position to be in.”
Will Hibernian play a decisive role in aiding Hearts’ title push against Celtic and Rangers?
Martin O’Neill has endured two domestic losses across his two spells in charge this season, including one at home to Hibernian.
If David Gray’s team managed it once, there is every chance they could repeat the feat. Dundee United have also defeated Celtic twice, highlighting the genuine threat they pose.
However, as Mulgrew mentioned on Go Radio, if Hibs manage to take points off either Celtic or Rangers, they would be boosting the chances of their fierce rivals lifting the Scottish title.
The exact arrangement of post-split fixtures remains unknown, including when the Glasgow derby will take place and who each side will meet on the final day.
With that uncertainty, many believe this three-team title race could be decided in the closing moments of the campaign.
If it does go that far, Mulgrew outlined a remarkable scenario where Celtic might need a victory over Hibernian on the final day to secure the championship.
“I think coming down to these crucial games, experience will count, and know-how will count,” said Mulgrew.
“But what Hearts have in their favour coming into these last games, they aren’t conceding goals. They are winning 1-0, and defences often win you leagues. When you are keeping clean sheets, you only need one goal to win a game. I feel like Hearts are the most likely to keep clean sheets at the moment.
“It kills me to say it, but it just feels like Celtic have a mountain to climb. They need to win every game.
“If it comes down to the wire, who would you want on the last day? They must be having a nightmare trying to work the fixtures.
“Do you know who is in a mad position? Hibs are in a crazy position. They have to play Celtic and Rangers. They know they are helping Hearts. What a mad position to be in.
“Imagine Hibs have got Celtic on the last day, and if Celtic win, they win the league, and they play Hibs. I am leaving that there.