Time for Celtic to kick-on against Motherwell to close gap on Hearts

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The Celtic Star

·13. März 2026

Time for Celtic to kick-on against Motherwell to close gap on Hearts

Last weekend’s success is now history, it’s time to kick on, starting against Motherwell in our must-win match tomorrow back at Celtic Park…

Celtic celebrations at Ibrox after Celtic won the Scottish Cup quarter final on Sunday 8 March 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou

Amidst all the euphoria of last weekend’s dramatic penalty shootout win over the Rangers at Ibrox, and all the drama that followed, you’d be forgiven for forgetting we had a vital game looming tomorrow afternoon.

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A game that sees us take on an impressive Motherwell side, and collecting the three points is an absolute must if Celtic harbour any hopes of retaining our title. Martin O’Neill has done brilliantly to get us back in the mix and above the Rangers but we have to chase down Hearts not give them the chance to increase their five points advantage after we play.

We all know how difficult it will be to overcome the Steelmen, despite their surprise 2-1 loss at Dens Park last weekend. Jens Berthel Askou’s side beat Celtic 2-0 in North Lanarkshire back in December when we were under the inept leadership of Wilfried Nancy. Motherwell were totally worthy of their win that night, playing us off the park in a very impressive showing against a Celtic side that looked completely lost.

Jens Berthel Askou. Motherwell 1-1 theRangers. Scottish Premiership. Fir Park, 11 February 2026. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

Our last clash with the Steelmen at Celtic Park was also a difficult encounter, when we had Daizen Maeda to thank for earning us all three points with a last minute winner, in a game we were fortunate to walk away with anything.

We should expect very much of the same tomorrow, and it will take a huge effort to come out on top, but one that we can achieve, especially if we show the same grit and determination that we did at Ibrox last Sunday. Celtic will be unusually rested for this one after so many tough away games in such a short period of time.

The players were given two days off after Ibrox and with no midweek match there’s likely to be a little more energy in the tanks as we take on Jens Berthel Askou who will be without Stephen Welsh, as he can’t play against Celtic. And Celtic will have to do without Auston Trusty who continues to serve his three match ban in the Scottish Premiership after that disgraceful red card decision against Hibs.

The Celtic team comes together at the final whistle during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and Motherwell FC at Celtic Park, on 5th October 2025. (Picture by Mark Runnacles Shutterstock)

A win would put us just two points behind leaders Hearts who travel to relegation threatened Kilmarnock on Saturday evening, so it’s the perfect opportunity to see how the Jambos will react to the pressure of having the current champions breathing down their necks as it comes down to the business end of the campaign. Kilmarnock are in desperate need of the points and will certainly give Hearts a game.

As hugely satisfying as last week was, it’s now in the past, and we must now look forward. We have a league title to defend, and a win against the claret and amber of Motherwell would be a great result and a brilliant confidence booster as we look to achieve that target.

Daizen Maeda of Celtic scores a late goal during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and Motherwell FC at Celtic Park, on 5th October 2025. Photo Mark Runnacles IMAGO/Shutterstock

Can we still win the league? Yes of course we can, and victory over the Steelmen tomorrow will further strengthen that argument.

Incidentally third placed the Rangers are away to manageress St Mirren on Sunday as they try to pick themselves up after Celtic completed a double by knocking them out of both cups this season.

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