Celtic look like they could be getting a challenge from Hearts this season as Rangers flail at the bottom of the Scottish Premiership.
Celtic’s draw against Hibs allowed Hearts an opportunity to go top of the Scottish Premiership table after Brendan Rodgers watched his side fail to score a goal for the fourth time this season.
Hearts did take advantage of Celtic’s slip-up and beat Falkirk 3-0 at Tynecastle and Derek McInnes’ side now sit two points ahead of the Hoops at the top of the league.
And speaking post-match at Parkhead, Celtic captain Callum McGregor has warned Hearts not to get too carried away with themselves after just six games of the season.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty ImagesCeltic captain Callum McGregor not having Hearts title talk just yet
There is no doubt that Hearts are playing well and their start to the season is reminiscent of Aberdeen’s last year.
And McGregor has sent the Tynecastle club a message that there is still a long way to go before they can call themselves title contenders.
McGregor told the Daily Record, “No, we’re six games in. Maybe at 36 games, you start looking at the table, but not at six games in.
“It’s such a long season and there is so much football to be played. We’re thinking about performances and getting up to speed.
“Although we didn’t win the game I’m sure if we play like that we’ll amass enough points to be where we want to be.
“They (Hearts) are six games in. If you win all six, you’re top of the league.
“Anyone can get off to a good start. Aberdeen did it last year. If you win the games in front of you, you collect enough points.
“Our objective over 38 games is to finish top of the league, so we can judge it when that happens.”
The last time Hearts challenged Celtic in the league and how the Tynecastle club collapsed
The last time Hearts challenged Celtic for the title was in 2005 when George Burley was the manager of the Edinburgh side.
Hearts won their first eight games of the season and drew with Celtic and Falkirk before Burley was let go after the 11th game of the season to spark an implosion which saw the Tynecastle side win just 5 of their next 12 games.
Celtic eventually won the title after 38 games finishing 17 points ahead of second-placed Hearts who pushed Rangers into third.
Whilst it’s highly unlikely Hearts will dispense with Derek McInnes this season, McGregor’s point is valid. League titles are not won after six games. There is a full season ahead.
If Hearts are still hovering about in January then they can talk about a potential title race but, until then, all talk of a challenge to Celtic is still very premature.