Steven Naismith is targeting greater solidity from his Hearts team ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Celtic Park.
The Jambos head to the east end of Glasgow following last weekend’s disappointment against Aberdeen at Pittodrie. A late goal snatched all three points for the Dons after Lawrence Shankland headed Hearts into a first half lead.
After that experience in the Granite City, the Head Coach is hopeful the men in maroon will produce a good reaction.
“We’re much the same as before, the only notable update is that Alex Lowry has got a small issue with his back which we’re investigating at the moment. It’s unlikely he’ll be involved tomorrow,” he told the media ahead of the game.
“I think everyone was disappointed (after Pittodrie). Given the way that the first half went, where got ourselves into a good position, and then to give it up in the manner that we did was the most disappointing thing.
“Like any setback, you need to talk about it and figure out what the problem was and go about fixing it. You expect a reaction and, given times earlier in the season where we needed a reaction, I think we’ll get one.
“Make no mistake, it’ll be a very tough game. We’re coming up against the champions, a team who have a load of experience, especially at home, so it will be a real test.
“They’re different because the manager’s styles are different. They’ve had a turnover of players and it takes time for them to gel. You can’t get away from the fact that they are a good team.
“Any game against the Old Firm means you need to be defensively secure and also have a desire to get up the pitch and create chances – which is how you’ll win the game.”
