Celtic not exactly in dire straits, says Hearts defender | OneFootball

Hearts defender Stuart Findlay has dismissed claims that Celtic are there for the taking as the teams prepare to meet in this weekend’s Scottish Premiership clash at Tynecastle…

Stuart Findlay and Lawrence Shankland applaud their fans after victory during the Scottish Premiership match between Hearts and Falkirk at Tynecastle Park on September 27, 2025. (Photo by Zak Mauger/Getty Images)

Although Brendan Rodgers’ side currently sit five points adrift of the league leaders, Findlay maintains that suggestions of turmoil at Celtic are greatly exaggerated.

The 30-year-old has played a central role in Hearts’ impressive early-season form, with Derek McInnes’ side sitting at the summit of the Premiership table ahead of Sunday’s encounter.

Spirits are high in Gorgie, yet Findlay was quick to stress that the Scottish champions command full respect, labelling Celtic as their most formidable challenge of the season by some distance.

Celtic make the trip to Tynecastle buoyed by their midweek 2-1 Europa League victory over Sturm Graz, a result that pushed the Hoops into those elusive top 24 spots.

Cameron Carter-Vickers of Celtic on the ground with suspected injury at full-time. Final score Celtic 2 Sturm Graz 1. Celtic v Sturm Graz, UEFA Europa League, Group Stage, Celtic Park, 23 October 2025. Photo Stuart Wallace IMAGO/Shutterstock

However, injuries to key figures such as Cameron Carter-Vickers, Alistair Johnston, Kelechi Iheanacho and Daizen Maeda have presented Brendan Rodgers with fresh selection headaches. However, Findlay maintains that Celtic’s quality, depth, and winning mentality continue to set the standard for every other team in Scotland.

Kelechi Iheanacho of Celtic walks off injured in 3rd minute of the match to be replaced by Johnny Kenny of Celtic. Celtic v Sturm Graz, UEFA Europa League, Group Stage, Football, Celtic Park – 23 October 2025. Photo Stuart Wallace IMAGO/Shutterstock

Speaking via Hearts official X account, Findlay said: “You hear whispers of this [vulnerability], and I think it’s a little bit unfair towards Celtic. If you look at it; and they’ve lost one league game all season, they’re not exactly in dire straits.”

Findlay added: “People can say what they want on the outside, use looking in we know that we’re going to be playing by far our toughest test that we’ve had, and probably the toughest test we’re going to face in the league.”

The upcoming match on Sunday will gauge both Hearts’ growth as a team under McInnes and Celtic’s resilience to going five behind in the league. While the close-quarters intensity of Tynecastle usually benefits the Jambos, Celtic’s familiarity with winning high-pressure encounters will give Rodgers confidence that his side can reduce the gap.

It is all set up for a cracker!

COYBIG!

Conor Spence

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Celtic in the Eighties and Willie Fernie – Putting on the Style both by David Potter. Photo The Celtic Star

Danny McGrain signing copies of Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Photo: Celtic Star Books

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