Hearts star Liam Boyce admits he was in awe of Celtic in the past - but insists his side can't be like that when they welcome them to Tynecastle on Saturday night.
The Northern Irishman was part of the Cliftonville side that faced Celtic in the Champions League in 2013 and he revealed it was difficult not to let the occasion get to him.
But he is confident the same thing won't happen again when Celtic travel to Edinburgh on Saturday night for the Premiership opener.
Robbie Neilson's men will take on a new look Celtic when Ange Postecoglou's men arrive at Tynecastle and Boyce insists his side have to be confident going into the game.
They've yet to concede in their four competitive games this season and now have two games against Celtic coming up in the next few weeks after drawing them in the Premier Sports Cup.
And Boyce said: “We’re at home against Celtic, we’re not conceding any goals, and we will be confident.
“I was in awe of Celtic when I played against them for Cliftonville.
“I recall the Champions League music playing at Parkhead, coming from a background where my friends and family are Celtic fans, the occasion can get to you. But you can’t carry that attitude with you into the game over here.
“It’s the same with Northern Ireland, sometimes you can pay too much respect to your opponents.
“We won’t be treating Celtic lightly, we will pay them the respect they deserve — but we will have confidence in our own ability as well.”
“We have been playing well, but we are aware we haven’t faced any Premiership opposition yet.
“Our aim is to play well, keep the momentum going and be competitive.
“We want to finish in the top six, at least, and challenge for trophies.”
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