Theories over the Celtic post-split fixture schedule has sparked the usual noise.
It always does at this stage of the season, especially with so little between the sides at the top.
Derek McInnes has already had his say, claiming he would be happy to play the Hoops in a ‘car park’ on the final day if it came to it. The Hearts boss also raised concerns around timing, including his side potentially playing after Martin O’Neill’s Celtic.
It did not take long for Peter Grant to push back.
The former Celtic midfielder was quick to call out what he sees as selective frustration from rival camps, pointing to earlier in the season when the Bhoys were regularly left playing catch-up on Sundays due to European commitments.
Grant told Go Radio:
“I hear Derek is complaining about the time difference. Well, a couple of weeks ago, he wasn’t when I was saying that Celtic were always playing last.
“Now, all of a sudden, it’s a problem playing last. It wasn’t a problem a few weeks ago when they were sitting top of the league and clear.
“So, you can’t have your cake and eat it. That’s why I thought there is an advantage if you are first and you win, because you are sitting in the dressing room with the three points in the bag. That’s why I am glad Celtic have got an opportunity to play before everybody else.
“Take it back a few weeks. This wasn’t seemingly an issue for Rangers or Hearts. They were always playing on the Saturday before Celtic, and they never complained when Celtic had to play every Sunday.
“That’s the point I am going on about. They can’t forget that as quickly as they have. That’s why I am delighted to see it.
“At that time, there was no issue. Now there is an issue. You are 100% right. How can the fixtures go any other way? You were always playing Rangers in the middle one.
“So, where were you going to play Hearts. Hearts are playing Hibs as well, you have to make sure that’s not the last one. You can’t have Celtic and Rangers as the last one.”
There is always an argument around timings at this point in the campaign.
Playing first brings its own edge. Playing later means knowing exactly what is required. Both can swing a title race.
The reality is that the current setup looks balanced enough. The champions still have three home games to come after the split, and that alone could prove decisive.
There is also the small matter of getting there in the first place. One round of fixtures remains before the split, and the table can still shift. For all the noise, nothing is settled yet.
From the outside, a final-day meeting between Celtic and Hearts has a certain appeal. Inside Lennoxtown, there will be no interest in that.
Martin O’Neill prepares his side to face St Mirren this Saturday, with focus fixed on the next ninety minutes. The return of the Green Brigade should ensure a full house and the usual edge at Celtic Park.
In a title race this tight, it will not be decided by fixture lists. It will come down to who holds their nerve and who slips first.
Keep Reading
