An extraordinary Scottish Premiership title race got a fittingly dramatic conclusion in Glasgow. Daizen Maeda and Callum Osmand both scored late goals to snatch glory and a remarkable 3-1 victory for Celtic in an epic final-day decider, cruelly denying Hearts a first top-flight title since 1960 that would have seen them become the first club from outside of Scotland’s Old Firm rivalry to win it since Sir Alex Ferguson’s Aberdeen side some 41 years ago.
Having brushed aside Falkirk in midweek, Derek McInnes’ men went into the day sitting top of the table by a point and would have been champions by avoiding defeat at Celtic Park. Captain Lawrence Shankland looked to have sent them on their way after powering in a close-range header from a corner as half-time approached, with a cagey and tense contest suddenly erupting into life as Arne Engels quickly levelled from the penalty spot after Alexandros Kyziridis handled Kieran Tierney’s cross inside the box.
Celtic knew following their massively controversial last-gasp victory at Motherwell on Wednesday that an eighth successive win by any scoreline would see them crowned again, though time looked to be running out as Kelechi Iheanacho struck the post before Maeda turned home an Osmand cross. The goal was initially ruled out for offside before being given following a VAR check, with Osmand then netting himself in the eighth minute of stoppage time after Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow had gone up for a free-kick, with Celtic’s third sparking a pitch invasion involving thousands of home fans. Follow Celtic vs Hearts reaction live below!
Celtic vs Hearts latest news
- Celtic pip Hearts to Scottish Premiership title in dramatic finale
- Pitch invasion mars remarkable end to final-day shootout
- GOAL! Osmand taps into empty net to wrap up win
- GOAL! Late Maeda effort awarded after VAR check
- GOAL! Engels quickly levels with penalty after handball
- GOAL! Shankland heads Hearts in front from corner
Callum McGregor hails 'incredible' Celtic comeback
17:59 , George FloodLong-serving captain Callum McGregor continues to add to his huge collection of major trophies at Celtic, ranking today’s title as one of the most memorable.
“Wow, I don’t think I’ll have many better days than that – it was incredible,” he said.
“It was a massive pressure game. I could feel the tension – first half especially – but then once we got playing and got going, it felt like the goal was coming.
“But when you get to like five minutes left, I’m thinking ‘maybe this is one step too far’. Credit to the boys, though, they keep going, they never stop fighting.
“That’s why we’ve won the league, to be honest. It’s not really to do with football, it’s heart and desire and willingness to win and commitment to each other that has taken us over the line.
“We’ve taken so many knocks along the way. Normally we do things pretty well and by the time you get to this stage, it’s kind of a foregone conclusion.
“This time, it’s a cup final-type day where you have to win. But we managed to get over the line and what a special day it is for us.”
Martin O'Neill comments on Celtic future after title triumph
17:56 , George FloodHowever, the 74-year-old Martin O’Neill also admitted that this season had “taken its toll” on him and confirmed that he expected next weekend’s Scottish Cup final against Dunfermline at Hampden Park to be his final game in charge.
“I’ve just spoken to Dermot Desmond and he didn’t indicate otherwise,” said O’Neill. “I would imagine so.”
Martin O'Neill: Title win is surreal... it's like a dream
17:53 , George FloodHere’s more from Martin O’Neill on Celtic’s phenomenal title revival under his stewardship and today’s unforgettable finale.
“It’s surreal,” said O’Neill. “Last year I was here as a pundit. A year later to be here as manager is really really incredible. I genuinely can’t believe it. It’s like a dream.
“I never thought I would ever stand on a winner’s podium at this club again, not in a million years.
“Lifting the trophy was the best feeling in the world. There is nothing like that.
“We have been in front for eight or nine minutes. This group have been through a lot, a resignation, me coming in and leaving, another fella coming in and leaving. That is disturbing for a team.
“We have lots of things to put right but the fighting spirit in the camp is special. For all the tactics in the world, it is about heart.
“Great players can pick a pass, and it looks great, like the tactics are working a treat. We might not have that, so we have to show some heart.
“Hearts have been brilliant this year and it is a wake up call to Celtic and Rangers.
“They have been the story of the year. They were six or seven minutes from winning it and if they had they would have deserved it.”
The tearful Hearts players arrive back at Tynecastle this afternoon.
They appeared crestfallen as they walked past their fans, who still showed their support for what was an incredible season despite the gut-wrenching finish.
Such a tough day, but they have so much to be proud of.
We await an official Hearts statement on that pitch invasion that led to their hasty retreat from Celtic Park.
They have not posted on social media since the game finished.
Martin O’Neill was asked about the reports of what occurred during those ugly scenes during his post-match interviews.
“If some Hearts players have been accosted, then that’s just not right at all,” he said.
“I genuinely didn’t see the scenes at the end because I thought the game wasn’t over, so I’m trying to push some of our fans off the pitch again to play whatever’s left.
“Obviously, at 3-1, I think that the fourth official had said to me, there was like a minute to go when we scored the goal, so with the best will in the world, they’re not going to get two goals in that time.
“Obviously, there’s a lot of commotion in the tunnel, so I don’t know, but getting back to the point, if Hearts players have been accosted by some of our fans, that’s pretty serious.
“Honestly, I’m not pushing it to the side, it’ll be something that the officials or people will have to look at.”
The moment that Celtic lifted Scottish title number 56.
Their fifth in a row and 14th in the last 15 seasons.
End of the season, top of the league by ➕2️⃣#Champion5 | #CelticFC🍀🏆 pic.twitter.com/PNFxq0CZtl
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) May 16, 2026
That is now eight major trophies for Martin O’Neill as Celtic manager, a fourth league title and first since 2004.
Is number nine quickly on its way at Hampden Park?
CHAMPIONS AGAIN!
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) May 16, 2026
🏆 Celtic are crowned Champions of Scotland for the FIFTH season in a row!
Huge congratulations to Martin O’Neill and the Bhoys
#Champion5 | #CelticFC🍀🏆 pic.twitter.com/IoZTsGuvLH
After the most thrilling of title battles and despite a very difficult season by their standards featuring so much upheaval and unrest, the Scottish Premiership season ends in familiar scenes... with Celtic lifting the trophy.
What an impact from Martin O’Neill during two separate interim stints back at the club this term, following Brendan Rodgers’ exit and the disastrous 33-day tenure of Wilfried Nancy.
A fitting way for him to bow out, unless he fancies taking the job on again full-time, of course. Though he did turn 74 in March.
He’s still got a double to win first as he goes up against former captain Neil Lennon and surprise package Dunfermline in the Scottish Cup final next Saturday.
The storylines just keep on coming in this remarkable season!
So much to digest after that.
You will be hearing much more about the pitch invasion involving what looked like thousands of home fans.
I’m still not sure if the full-time whistle actually blew before it following Osmand’s goal. I don’t think it did.
There were reports of Celtic fans confronting Hearts players in ugly scenes.
Concerned Hearts officials reportedly called their players down the tunnel and it is also being reported that they had left the stadium within 20 minutes without conducting post-match media duties and with a police escort, with some still in their match kits.
Celtic 3-1 Hearts
14:39 , George FloodFull-time
It appears that the full-time whistle has now gone at Celtic Park, but it was total bedlam for a little while there.
Complete and utter heartbreak for Hearts, who were just minutes away from winning their first title since 1960 and becoming the first club to break the Old Firm’s dominance for 41 years.
But Celtic’s late show ends up dramatically sealing a fifth straight title and a record 56th overall to move one clear of arch-rivals Rangers on the all-time list.
They have won 15 of the last 16 titles now and will be favourites to clinch a double when they meet second-tier Dunfermline under Neil Lennon in the Scottish Cup final next weekend.
This most tumultuous of seasons could have ended in yet another domestic treble, were it not for St Mirren’s exploits in the League Cup final.
What an impact Martin O’Neill has had back in Glasgow.
Of all Celtic’s titles, this has to rank right up there. Remarkable.
GOAL! Celtic 3-1 Hearts | Callum Osmand 98'
14:32 , George Flood98 mins: Celtic need to find some composure here as Maeda gives the ball away easily and captain McGregor is booked for a wild challenge.
Goalkeeper Schwolow is up for Spittal’s free-kick, but it’s headed away and now Celtic will surely add a last-gasp third goal to wrap up this incredible title win.
Osmand sprints clear from inside his own half and eventually taps it into an empty net.
It prompts a pitch invasion and it is now utter pandemonium at Celtic Park.
I’m not sure if the final whistle has gone yet but there are hundreds of fans on the pitch.
Chaos!
Celtic 2-1 Hearts
14:29 , George Flood96 mins: Engels gives away a cheap free-kick midway inside the Hearts half and now Maeda is booked for kicking the ball away.
Celtic are almost there...
Celtic 2-1 Hearts
14:28 , George Flood95 mins: Time is running out for Hearts and there’s a flashpoint on the touchline that results in bookings for Shankland and Saracchi.
Celtic repel a stream of deliveries into their box and now Maeda celebrates in front of Shankland after winning a crucial challenge.
Celtic 2-1 Hearts
14:26 , George Flood92 mins: The jubilant Celtic fans revel in Steinwender heading well wide from a corner.
But Hearts are really going for this now...
Celtic 2-1 Hearts
14:24 , George Flood90 mins: Incredible scenes at Celtic Park after that Maeda goal that may just have won them another title.
Utterly heartbreaking for Hearts, but it’s not over yet.
EIGHT minutes of stoppage time have been signalled.
GOAL! Celtic 2-1 Hearts | Daizen Maeda 88'
14:21 , George Flood88 mins: THE GOAL IS GIVEN!
Celtic 1-1 Hearts
14:20 , George Flood86 mins: Maeda turns in Osmand’s cross and Celtic Park erupts again... but the offside flag is up!
This will be checked...
Celtic 1-1 Hearts
14:19 , George Flood85 mins: It’s just not happening for Celtic and now Hearts are bleeding crucial minutes off the clock thanks to great work from the likes of Braga and Shankland up top.
They force a corner that Sinisalo punches and Shankland can’t react to turn an errant strike goalbound.
Here come Celtic again...
Celtic 1-1 Hearts
14:15 , George Flood82 mins: Stretched Hearts look in real bother again inside the box as Maeda twists and turns before delivering a ball that is headed off target by Osmand.
The offside flag is up.
The tension is absolutely incredible.
Celtic 1-1 Hearts
14:12 , George Flood80 mins: Hearts are thwarted on the counter-attack before Celtic quickly come again and Iheanacho’s strike slams into the base of the post!
So, so close to that all-important second goal.
And now Schwolow crucially tips over from Nygren. Wow.
Celtic 1-1 Hearts
14:11 , George Flood78 mins: Engels steps up as Celtic Park holds its collective breath... but it’s well wide of Schwolow’s right-hand post.
Another big chance gone.
Celtic 1-1 Hearts
14:10 , George Flood76 mins: Nygren’s low shot inside the box is crucially blocked as Hearts’ defence is breached again, before Devlin fouls Engels right on the edge and gets booked.
A massive opportunity this from the free-kick...
Celtic 1-1 Hearts
14:09 , George Flood75 mins: A big chance for Celtic is wasted as Osmand comes charging through supported by Maeda, but Kent does just enough.
Another Celtic corner comes and goes with Hearts unscathed. They are just 15 minutes away...
Celtic 1-1 Hearts
14:08 , George Flood73 mins: Two more Celtic changes - the fit-again Callum Osmand is on for only his fourth senior appearance for the club and first since November after hamstring surgery.
Marcelo Saracchi also enters the fray.
Off go Tierney and Trusty.
Celtic 1-1 Hearts
14:05 , George Flood72 mins: The home fans are getting really frustrated now with less than 20 minutes to play as another bout of Celtic possession leads to nothing.
Hearts, by the way, have now used all of their available substitutions, so will be praying not to get any late injuries here.
Celtic 1-1 Hearts
14:03 , George Flood69 mins: Chesnokov with an immediate impact as he eases past Tierney before evading Scales and delivering a dangerous low cross into the six-yard box that is hacked away by Trusty.
If Celtic concede again here, the title is surely lost.
Celtic 1-1 Hearts
14:02 , George Flood67 mins: Claudio Braga, Alan Forrest - younger brother of Celtic substitute James - and Islam Chesnokov are all now coming on for Hearts.
Off go Kabore, Kyziridis and Milne.
Celtic 1-1 Hearts
14:00 , George Flood66 mins: Kingsley takes no chances with another Celtic delivery into the box, with Maeda getting up well at the back post from the subsequent corner but heading over.
Hearts are readying a triple change here.
Celtic 1-1 Hearts
13:58 , George Flood64 mins: Maeda glides to the byline but there is no one in the middle as he overhits a poor cross.
Celtic then make inroads down the right, but Kingsley blocks the cross.
Celtic 1-1 Hearts
13:56 , George Flood62 mins: Celtic pour forward with another promising attack down that right channel, but Nygren and Johnston are not on the same wavelength and the former’s pass rolls out for a goal kick.
Celtic 1-1 Hearts
13:55 , George Flood61 mins: James Forrest for Yang is the latest Celtic change as Hearts’ corner delivery from the right drifts harmlessly beyond the back post.
Celtic 1-1 Hearts
13:54 , George Flood60 mins: An hour gone and Hearts are 30 minutes (plus plenty of inevitable stoppage time) away from becoming Scottish champions for the first time in 66 years.
Tierney’s latest corner delivery for Celtic comes to nothing.
Hearts break and now have a corner of their own as Shankland is just about contained.
More substitutions are imminent.
Celtic 1-1 Hearts
13:52 , George Flood58 mins: More Celtic penalty appeals for handball against Kingsley are waved away before Hearts look to set away Kabore on the break, with Sinisalo rushing out of his penalty area to make a challenge.
Kyziridis is taken down by Trusty, who goes into the book.
A really frantic pace to this game now.
There is already a lot of injury time building.
Celtic 1-1 Hearts
13:50 , George Flood56 mins: Celtic are piling on the pressure now as Yang cuts in off the right and is dealt with by Findlay, with Kingsley then sliding in to block a follow-up effort from Johnston.
Hearts deal with the resulting corner but are penned back deep inside their own half and struggling to get out.
Celtic 1-1 Hearts
13:48 , George Flood53 mins: A couple of warning signs for Hearts as Celtic almost unpick the lock inside the crowded box before Iheanacho’s long-range effort is gathered by Schwolow.
Now Nygren brings down Kabore and picks up a yellow card.
It’s a free-kick in a great position for Kyziridis, who sends the ball drifting over the crossbar.
Celtic 1-1 Hearts
13:44 , George Flood49 mins: Another quick second-half Hearts change now as Baningime pursues Iheanacho and goes down off the ball with an obvious hamstring injury.
He is in some pain and receives treatment, but will be in no position to continue as he limps slowly off across the pitch with the help of Hearts’ medical staff.
Celtic fans - rather unfairly - wanted him to be made to walk around the pitch so the game can continue quickly.
McInnes sends for Blair Spittal, who scored against Falkirk in midweek.
Celtic 1-1 Hearts
13:41 , George Flood47 mins: The second half is not even two minutes old and Hearts have already now made a first change of their own - likely in response to Iheanacho’s arrival at the interval.
Derek McInnes has sent on an extra defender in the form of Frankie Kent, who replaces winger Altena.
Steinwender looks to have a knock.
Celtic 1-1 Hearts
13:38 , George FloodMartin O’Neill is making a half-time change in attack for Celtic.
Midweek hero Kelechi Iheanacho is replacing Tounekti.
Back underway for a mammoth second half in Glasgow.
A reminder that Hearts will be champions if this game ends in a draw.
Celtic need to score again...
Celtic 1-1 Hearts
13:36 , George FloodMaybe a tad harsh on Kyziridis, but that is a penalty with the way the handball laws stand today.
Should Schwolow have done better with Engels’ spot-kick after diving the right way?
🍀 Celtic are level through Arne Engels!
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) May 16, 2026
They were awarded a penalty for handball, and the midfielder stepped up and equalised. Watch the incident and goal here ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/z7FETddlqg
Celtic 1-1 Hearts
13:33 , George FloodIf there is one player in this Hearts side that you don’t want to leave unmarked to drift in at the back post from a set-piece...
🗣️ “That is 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗯𝗶𝗴 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽 towards the title!”
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) May 16, 2026
Hearts' Lawrence Shankland opens the scoring against Celtic in this title decider! ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/TcdlLGAcB6
Celtic 1-1 Hearts
13:30 , George FloodAnd breathe!
An extremely tense and cagey first half suddenly burst into life at the end there with two goals in the space of just six minutes.
Hearts will still be champions as things stand with a draw, but that could yet be a massive, massive goal for Celtic.
We could not be better poised for the second half.
Celtic 1-1 Hearts
13:23 , George FloodHalf-time
GOAL! Celtic 1-1 Hearts | Arne Engels (pen) 49'
13:20 , George Flood49 mins: Schwolow guesses the right way but he dives over the ball and can’t get a hand to it.
Celtic Park erupts!
Amazing drama at the end of an otherwise cagey first half.
Celtic badly, badly needed that.
Celtic 0-1 Hearts
13:19 , George Flood47 mins: It’s a quick check and the penalty award stands!
No Iheanacho on the pitch of course, so it will be Engels who steps up to try and pull Celtic level on the stroke of half-time.
A massive, massive moment in this title decider.
Celtic 0-1 Hearts
13:18 , George Flood46 mins: Into three minutes of added time at the end of the first half and Celtic are awarded a penalty for handball after Tierney’s cross smacks into the hand of Kyziridis.
This will be checked by VAR...
GOAL! Celtic 0-1 Hearts | Lawrence Shankland 43'
13:15 , George Flood43 mins: From that second corner, unmarked Hearts captain Shankland strolls in and powers home a close-range header at the back post!
What a huge goal and what a time to score.
Celtic now need to score twice.
Celtic 0-0 Hearts
13:13 , George Flood41 mins: Steinwender atones for his error by earning a pressure-relieving free-kick from Maeda.
Hearts have another throw-in, this time on the far side, and now try an unusual corner routine that doesn’t quite come off.
But it quickly leads to another.
Celtic 0-0 Hearts
13:11 , George Flood38 mins: The in-form Maeda has barely had a kick up front for Celtic so far but gets involved now and is cleaned out by Steinwender, who deservedly joins fellow right-back Johnston in the book.
Nothing comes of the resulting set-piece.
Celtic 0-0 Hearts
13:08 , George Flood36 mins: Superb defending from Kyziridis to race back and snuff out a dangerous-looking Celtic attack.
Hearts get a foot on the ball and put together some nice passes in a fluid move, but Altena’s dreadful effort flies wide and is met with ironic cheers from the Celtic faithful.
Celtic 0-0 Hearts
13:06 , George Flood34 mins: Nygren can’t find a way through the wall of maroon shirts on the edge of the Hearts box and he’s dispossessed.
Altena comes away with possession and slides the ball through the legs of Johnston, who takes him down and collects the first yellow card of the match for his troubles.
Celtic 0-0 Hearts
13:05 , George Flood32 mins: Better from Celtic and Tounekti cuts in off the left flank to register the first shot on target of the afternoon.
But it’s tame and easily held by Schwolow in the Hearts goal.
Celtic 0-0 Hearts
13:04 , George Flood30 mins: Half an hour gone and this is as cagey as it gets, with brighter moments for Celtic in attack but nothing coming of them.
Hearts continue to target Trusty. Neither side has had a shot on target so far.
Goalless after half an hour - if it stays this way, Hearts will be champions.
A long, long way to go still, of course.
Celtic 0-0 Hearts
12:58 , George Flood25 mins: Celtic are almost in for the first time this afternoon but the final pass overruns and Hearts breathe a huge sigh of relief.
Celtic 0-0 Hearts
12:56 , George Flood20 mins: Really tense stuff at the moment, with slight openings for both sides but neither can quite make inroads as Shankland heads well wide from another Milne long throw-in from this nearside.
Celtic’s fast start has long since dissipated and they are struggling to create anything at the moment.
Trusty still looks uncomfortable at the back.
Celtic 0-0 Hearts
12:49 , George Flood15 mins: More complaints from the Celtic fans as Steinwender slowly makes his way off after taking an accidental knee from Johnston during that important challenge.
The Austrian defender has been a key player for Hearts during these early stages and looks like he’ll be fine to return, much to the relief of Derek McInnes.
Celtic 0-0 Hearts
12:46 , George Flood13 mins: More groans from the amped-up Celtic fans as Trusty continues to look a bit iffy early on.
Steinwender gets across to make a crucial brave challenge on Johnston as the hosts come forward again, but comes off worse and play is halted - much to the home supporters’ dismay.
Celtic 0-0 Hearts
12:43 , George Flood11 mins: Celtic don’t look especially comfortable defending this Hearts left channel early on.
Hearts are targeting it plenty already as Trusty has to deal with some awkward balls and Milne sends in another long throw, but again Johnston is there to meet it with his head.
Now a cheap foul by Nygren gives Hearts the chance to deliver a free-kick from a decent position wide on the left.
Findlay is the target for Kyziridis, but Engels heads behind at the back post and Sinisalo gathers the resulting corner easily.
Celtic 0-0 Hearts
12:40 , George Flood9 mins: Trusty concedes another throw-in on the nearside and Milne winds up another long hurl, though Findlay is beaten in the air.
Now Milne blasts high and wide after a cute nutmeg on Johnston.
Celtic 0-0 Hearts
12:39 , George Flood7 mins: Steinwender is well-positioned to steer away another searching early Celtic cross into the Hearts box.
Engels’ deep corner delivery is overhit and sails wide of Schwolow’s back post.
Celtic 0-0 Hearts
12:36 , George Flood5 mins: Kabore wins a huge challenge in midfield to give Hearts some momentum and get them on the ball after an early Celtic barrage.
Loud boos from the home fans greet their every touch.
The leaders need to build some possession here and take the sting out of this positive Celtic start and fierce crowd.
A long Hearts throw into the box is flicked on and almost reaches captain Shankland, who goes down under a challenge from Scales.
Never a penalty, despite his appeals.
Celtic 0-0 Hearts
12:34 , George Flood3 mins: Celtic, as you might expect, have started all guns blazing with a couple of dangerous early crosses whipped into the penalty area.
Trusty heads high and wide from a corner to the near post.
Hearts need to ride out this early onslaught.
Celtic vs Hearts
12:31 , George FloodHERE WE GO!
The sun is shining at Celtic Park as we get underway in this massive final-day Scottish Premiership title decider.
Kabore is already down for Hearts after an aerial tussle with Scales.
Ready for kick-off
12:30 , George FloodIt’s always special of course, but that was a particularly spine-tingling rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone from the home fans ahead of kick-off.
An anthem befitting of such a huge event.
What an atmosphere.
The 752 travelling Hearts fans are trying to make themselves heard in a sold-out crowd of 60,000.
Teams are out at Celtic Park
12:28 , George FloodThere are fans from both clubs already in tears ahead of kick-off in Glasgow, such is the size of today’s unique occasion and the sheer emotion attached to it.
Here come the players to a raucous reception at Celtic Park, where both teams are in their traditional home kits - so it’s green and white hoops against maroon.
Don Robertson has the unenviable task of being today’s referee, with Kevin Clancy on VAR duty.
McInnes explains shock Braga benching
12:21 , George FloodDerek McInnes has explained his surprise decision to name Claudio Braga on the Hearts bench this afternoon.
He insists during a pre-match interview with Sky Sports at Celtic Park that the Portuguese forward is not fully fit having been carrying a groin injury in recent weeks.
The other two changes made today are purely tactical.
O'Neill: Everybody outside Celtic wants Hearts to win title
12:15 , George FloodBoth managers have been engaging in a spot of mind games this week, with a raging Derek McInnes insisting that it feels like “us against everybody” after that last-gasp Celtic penalty award against Motherwell that he described as “disgusting”.
Meanwhile, Celtic counterpart Martin O’Neill insisted at his pre-match press conference yesterday that everyone outside their fanbase wants Hearts to win the title.
"It's obviously been magnified because of the occasion as much as anything else,” O’Neill said of the furore over that crucial, much-maligned late decision at Fir Park.
"Am I surprised? No, I'm not surprised, because everybody wants Hearts to win. It's really as simple as that.
"Everybody outside Celtic and the Celtic diaspora wants Hearts to win.
"And so if it wasn't Hearts, it would be Rangers, it would be somebody else. That's the nature of it."
Hearts boss McInnes expecting 'bedlam' at Celtic Park
12:00 , George FloodHearts boss Derek McInnes is expecting “bedlam” at Celtic Park this afternoon, though insists his side have been preparing for the possibility of a final-day title decider ever since the post-split fixtures were confirmed.
“We need to go there and perform well, first and foremost,” he said at yesterday’s pre-match press conference.
“I think any time you go to Celtic Park with your team; you've got to do so many things right. There's a consistency, a messaging of what you need to try and do there.
“And obviously tomorrow, with everything that entails, that just gets amplified, really, because it's a perfect ending to a season for the league, Scottish football, for drama and excitement. It's pure box office.
“It's been a long time, I think, since both teams who could win the title go head-to-head. To be honest, I felt it for a while, obviously, when the fixtures came out.
“There's still a lot of football to be played, so you can't really say that at the time, for obvious reasons, but I genuinely thought it would go the full way, and we've kind of been preparing for that.
“In that sense, we knew we'd have to get good wins, and obviously Celtic, in the last wee while, they've shown those improvements as well, and consistency of results. Fair play to them, fair play to our boys for making this the situation that’s there now.
“It's important now that we have that one big performance in us, to try and get over the line and get the title won. The good thing for me is the confidence I feel in the players is so strong. We have to go there with courage; we have to go there with belief and be bullish with our work.
“It'll be bedlam, it'll be an unbelievable atmosphere, just because of what's at stake. But I think that there might be people out there, who think everything's back on script now, Celtic win their home game, win their league, and that's what Celtic have done for the last wee while.
“They've been the team that have won more titles, but we've ripped the script up so often this season, and we've got one more in us I think, and it's up to us to try and make that happen.”
Three Hearts changes with Braga only on bench
11:43 , George FloodDerek McInnes makes three changes to the Hearts team that blew away Falkirk at Tynecastle in midweek.
Stephen Kingsley, Pierre Landry Kabore and Jordi Altena replace Frankie Kent, Blair Spittal and Claudio Braga.
Surely Braga can’t be fully fit?!
Otherwise it’s quite a call from McInnes to drop the Scottish Premiership and PFA Scotland Premiership Player of the Year for such a high-stakes fixture.
Celtic unchanged as Osmand returns to bench
11:37 , George FloodCeltic are unchanged from that controversial 3-2 last-gasp win away at Motherwell on Wednesday night.
The only alteration to their matchday squad is on the bench, where young forward Callum Osmand returns after six months out following hamstring surgery.
Reo Hatate drops out altogether.
Hearts team
11:21 , George FloodHearts XI: Schwolow, Steinwender, Kingsley, Findlay, Milne, Kyziridis, Baningime, Devlin, Altena, Kabore, Shankland
Subs: Fulton, Kent, McCart, Braga, Borchgrevink, Spittal, Forrest, Kerjota, Chesnokov
Celtic team
11:17 , George FloodCeltic XI: Sinisalo, Johnston, Trusty, Scales, Tierney, McGregor, Engels, Nygren, Yang, Tounekti, Maeda
Subs: Doohan, McCowan, Iheanacho, Osmand, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Saracchi, Murray, Forrest, Ralston
Atmosphere building
11:04 , George FloodThere already looks to be quite the pre-match atmosphere outside Celtic Park, with the home fans greeting the team buses and making their voices heard ahead of what they hope will be the most memorable final day.
Hearts have an allocation of only 752 tickets for this afternoon’s game, so most of their supporters will have to make do with watching on from home or in the pubs of Edinburgh.
Celtic vs Hearts: Who is the title favourite today?
10:57 , George FloodIt’s difficult to know who exactly should be considered favourites for this decisive title clash.
As mentioned, 14 of the last 15 Scottish Premiership titles and 55 overall plus home advantage and a seven-match winning streak across all competitions would appear to point the dial firmly in Celtic’s favour.
But, as mentioned so many times already this morning, Hearts have less to do and are not short on confidence or momentum themselves, winning seven of the last 10 and so dominant against Falkirk last time out.
They would of course have preferred this decider to be at Tynecastle, where they went unbeaten in the league this season for the first time in 88 years, but Derek McInnes’ men have already won 2-1 at Celtic Park this term and have not lost to the defending champions in three games - with a 3-1 win and 2-2 draw at home.
Of course the pressure on Hearts feels far more significant, given that they are looking to win a first top-flight title since 1960 and in the process break the Old Firm’s 41-year dominance of Scottish football.
You also have to majorly factor in the sheer emotional drama and fallout of Wednesday night, with that massively controversial last-gasp Celtic penalty award and how it has affected both sides - leaving Celtic absolutely jubilant, but Hearts deflated and angry.
So many fascinating subplots surround what should be an unforgettable occasion.
Celtic vs Hearts title permutations
10:41 , George FloodThe state of play following that aforementioned midweek drama means you don’t need to get the calculators out for a long list of potentially complicated title permutations and tie-breakers this afternoon.
The equation is perfectly simple, with Hearts going into this decider sitting top of the table on 80 points - one ahead of Celtic.
That means that the Jambos would win the title by avoiding defeat in Glasgow, though obviously sealing it with a win at the home of the dominant force that have won 14 of the last 15 Scottish Premiership crowns would really be the icing on the cake.
If Celtic had lost to Motherwell on Wednesday as Hearts beat Falkirk, the race would already be over.
Indeed, a draw would have left Celtic needing to win today by three goals to snatch the title on goal difference.
However, that last-gasp controversial penalty to clinch victory at Fir Park means that any win for Celtic today would see them reign supreme once more.
There is obviously no possibility of the two clubs finishing level on points now, so goal difference - with Hearts on +35 compared to Celtic’s +30 - is irrelevant, as are all other potential tiebreakers.
Celtic vs Hearts prediction
10:29 , George FloodThere is just one point in it, with Hearts still in control of their own title destiny going into this final-day decider.
A draw for Derek McInnes’ men and they are Scottish top-flight champions for the first time since 1960.
Celtic have all of the winning pedigree, however, and also have crucial home advantage.
Luck was smiling down on them after a hugely controversial penalty award against Motherwell in midweek, a call that Gary Lineker, amongst others, dubbed maybe the worst VAR decision he had ever seen.
It feels like it could be a crucial factor in deciding the outcome of this most thrilling championship battle, with Celtic now needing just to win, rather than winning by three goals.
Celtic to win, 2-1.
Hearts team news
10:23 , George FloodLeaders Hearts also remain without a host of injured players this afternoon including Marc Leonard, Craig Halkett, Oisin McEntee, Calem Nieuwenhof, Tomas Magnusson and Ageu.
Manager Derek McInnes has a real dilemma as to how to approach today’s game, which will obviously impact his lineup choices.
With only a point needed for a first title in 66 years, does he err on the side of defensive caution and implement a system change after Falkirk were swept aside so comprehensively in midweek?
Or will he be bold and encourage his confident side to go out and attack Celtic, putting the pressure on from the outset to try and clinch glory in style?
It is a huge, huge call and I don’t envy him it.
Celtic team news
10:16 , George FloodIt’s rather a case of as you were in terms of team news for both title contenders this afternoon.
They each have long injury lists still, but are not believed to be dealing with any fresh concerns ahead of today’s decider so should have the same squads available as for their respective and contrasting midweek wins over Falkirk and Motherwell.
For Celtic, there is still no Jota, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Tomas Cvancara, Julian Araujo, Colby Donovan, Kasper Schmeichel or Callum Osmand.
It remains to be seen if Martin O’Neill will be pondering any changes after Wednesday’s exhausting late drama at Fir Park, with match-winner Kelechi Iheanacho in a rich vein of scoring form.
How to watch Celtic vs Hearts
10:09 , George FloodTV channel: In the UK, today’s Scottish Premiership title decider between Celtic and Hearts will be televised live on Sky Sports.
Coverage begins at 11.30am BST on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.
Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers can also catch the game live online via the Sky Go app.
Celtic vs Hearts live
10:06 , George FloodIt all comes down to this.
Celtic and Hearts clash this lunchtime in one of the biggest games Scottish football has seen for decades - a final-day decider for Premiership title glory.
Following one of the most incredible and dramatic races that hit a new level of controversy in midweek, Hearts go to Glasgow with a one-point lead at the summit knowing that by avoiding defeat today they would clinch their first top-flight title since 1959/60.
If they pull it off, the Jambos would be the first club outside the Old Firm to win it since Sir Alex Ferguson’s Aberdeen side some 41 years ago in 1984/85.
Hearts have already won at Celtic Park this season and not lost to the defending champions in three meetings, but Martin O’Neill’s side have won their last six games on the spin and are hunting a 56th title to move one clear of arch-rivals Rangers on the all-time list.
Their highly-controversial last-gasp penalty to beat Motherwell in midweek means a win of any kind this afternoon would see them crowned kings of Scotland once more.
Kick-off is at 12:30pm BST, so keep it right here for all your match build-up, breaking team news and live minute-by-minute game updates.
This should be absolutely epic...
