Chris Sutton has a legitimate warning for Celtic ahead of Hearts visit

Chris Sutton hasn’t shied away from criticism of Celtic this season and is again raising concerns about the Bhoys ahead of this crucial run of Games.

Celtic have four Games remaining in the Scottish Premiership and a Scottish Cup final against Rangers to look forward to.

The double is on the line and there’s no room for error, including in today’s match at home to Hearts.

Steven Naismith’s side arrive at Celtic Park with no fear having beaten the Bhoys in the two previous meetings between the sides. It’s a dangerous test for Brendan Rodgers’ team.

For Sutton, Celtic’s defensive fragility remains a concern and he’s worried Lawrence Shankland will have a big say on proceedings.

Chris Sutton on Celtic vs Hearts

He said [Daily Record]: “Lawrence Shankland would win my vote for PFA Scotland Player of the Year. And, if Celtic don’t start defending cross-balls properly, the Hearts striker might get to enjoy a double celebration this weekend. Shankland has already tortured my old club this season and you wouldn’t bet large sums of money on him not doing it again if Celtic don’t tighten it up at the back.

“Shankland has a much better recent scoring record against Celtic than he does Rangers and my old team better be wary of him. Those headed goals against the Old Firm this season, given what I am seeing from Celtic’s defence right now, make you think he could be onto something again today.

“It’s hardly as if having trouble defending cross balls is a new thing for Celtic. It’s been an issue for long enough. Nonetheless, the last two Games have been even more eye-opening.

“Listen, Celtic have the firepower and the quality to blow Hearts away. They did it at Tynecastle last October and can easily do it again if they hit their stride. But, if they don’t and it becomes a tight and tense affair, they’ll need to be watertight because Shankland can bust the dam. He can burst most dams.”

Celtic must prove their title credentials today

This Celtic group have had a season full of ups and downs. For patches, consistency was hard to come by.

However, they are now on a seven-match unbeaten run and only one side has been victorious against the Bhoys in the last 25 matches – Hearts.

It’s time to get a bit of revenge and show everyone why this is Celtic’s title to lose. Three points today leaves little room for Rangers to mount a comeback. It’s a massive Saturday and Celtic need to be right on top of the visitors from the start.

Shankland is indeed a threat, Sutton’s comments have some merit, but we know that the Bhoys have the quality to get this job done. They have to show that on the pitch.