Andy Halliday says a potential Celtic title party doesn't faze him - nor does it motivate Hearts to step up their game..
Champions-elect Celtic travel to Tynecastle knowing a win would mathematically seal their tenth title in 11 years and a second on the spin under Ange Postecoglou. It would also put them within touching distance of their seventh ever domestic Treble with the Scottish Cup final with Inverness on June 3 the final piece of that puzzle.
No-one wants to play host to a trophy parade for another team but while Hearts will be keen to avoid letting Celtic claim the trophy on their patch, Halliday insists it's far from their main motivation. He's confident of a good performance but says the main motivation for him is continuing his own side's revival under Steven Naismith - and closing the gap to Aberdeen in third place.
The former Rangers midfielder told the Edinburgh Evening News: “Celtic have been the most dominant side in Scotland for a period of time. Our games against them over the last two years have been really competitive, although we haven’t always got results. We have shown ourselves in good light apart from the last game against them at Tynecastle.
“People think because it might decide the title that it would naturally give you an extra 10 per cent. For me, it really doesn't. Whether I’m playing a kickabout in training or a Scottish Cup final, you want to win. That doesn’t change whether Celtic can win the league this week or next week. The fact is: They’re going to win the league.
"The motivation for us is getting points for Hearts. These are five massive games and we want European football for the club again next year.”
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