The Celtic winning machine can’t be stopped right now.
On the one hand, the international break is needed because it allows everyone to reset and recharge for a brutal winter period.
But, on the other, it has stopped Celtic’s momentum in all competitions because no one can get past them in the Premiership, League Cup or the Champions League.
Yes, Celtic’s win at Kilmarnock was scratchy and Brendan Rodgers’ side needed to seriously dig deep to secure the points.
But for large parts, the football has been outstanding and the fans can’t have many complaints.
Many Celtic players have jetted off for national duty, including Kyogo Furuhashi returning to the Japan squad.
That’s a lot of miles for Celtic’s starting forward, especially with Japan set to play China next Wednesday in a World Cup qualifier.
On that note, you would think many in Celtic colours would be pleased that their returning league fixture will be played on a Saturday evening, but not everyone is in that boat.
John Hartson and Stephen McGinn defend Celtic’s 7:45 pm kick-off against Hearts on Sky Sports
As per, anytime Celtic play on the road, their match will, more than likely, be put up for Sky coverage and it’s no different here.
The powers that be have decided that the champions will travel to Tynecastle at 7:45 pm on Saturday, November 23.
But former striker John Hartson and Celtic-daft Stephen McGinn had to defend that call to a disgruntled Bhoys supporter on Go Radio.
From concerns over a late kick-off in general to fans being in Edinburgh for the whole day, then letting it all out in the stands.
When that was put forward to Hartson and McGinn, they made sure to shut it down, with the latter explaining why Rodgers will actually be ‘happy’ that an evening game will be played.
“We have seen other games this season, we have seen games at Aberdeen, same type of kick-off,” said Hartson. “I think they will try to structure a lot of the teams in the Scottish Premiership, they might find themselves having to kick off at that particular time. I don’t see a massive problem, under the nights at Tynecastle on a Saturday night.”
McGinn added: “The only thing I would have said about that is the police would have been consulted. It’s a night. It’s the time Sky are looking to put games on. It’s a really big game for us domestically. To get it on, the police would agree to that. From a Celtic point of view, I think Brendan Rodgers will be happy with that. For a start, he has got three players away with Japan. Alistair Johnston away with Canada. Auston Trusty might be away with America. That’s an extra seven or eight hours, in terms of that being a lunchtime kick-off on Saturday.”
Hartson then stated: “It’s great under the lights as well. I know what you are saying about the troublesome supporters and whether they are on the sauce all afternoon, then they all come steamed up and everything else. From a Celtic point of view, they wouldn’t mind coming to Hearts. They will probably come four or five. Come through with their kids. On a Saturday, by the way. You can wake up on the Sunday and you have all day Sunday to think about the game. I actually don’t think it’s a bad fixture. I get what you are saying about the support all afternoon. But that’s something Hearts have to deal with that.
Celtic players on international duty
Some big names are at home, such as retired Scotland international Callum McGregor or Adam Idah returning from Republic of Ireland duty because of injury.
But, in total, 13 Celtic players are on international duty, playing for nations such as Japan to Canada.
Kyogo, Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate will be repping Japan, Alistair Johnston is a starter for Canada, Arne Engels is in action for Belgium, back-up keeper Viljami Sinisalo is with Finland and Kasper Schmeichel is resuming roles as Denmark’s starter.
Luis Palma also has to travel far and wide as he looks to earn some much-needed minutes for Honduras, with Auston Trusty in the same boat playing for the USA and Paulo Bernardo playing for Portugal’s U21s.
Then there are the shorter trips for Liam Scales in the Republic of Ireland colours, including Greg Taylor and Anthony Ralston for Scotland.
