Ange Postecoglou has spoken of his admiration for Steven Naismith’s no-nonsense approach to life as Hearts boss as the Celtic gaffer admitted they will have to work for two-in-a-row - because there is no chance of the Gorgie side ‘rolling out the red carpet’.
The experience Parkhead gaffer is up against a rookie in Naismith after the Jambos man succeeded axed Robbie Neilson. Naismith wasted no time in making his mark as he binned veteran Robert Snodgrass and Postecoglou likes the way the former Scotland international has gone about his business.
Celtic need a win on Sunday to claim their second Scottish Premiership crown under Postecoglou this weekend - otherwise they could be forced to go to Ibrox a week later to seal the deal, assuming Rangers beat Aberdeen at home on Sunday - and Postecoglou knows they will be made to work for it.
But he told Sky Sports: “The good thing is it’s in our hands because sometimes when you’re relying on other results it can get a bit tricky but with this one we know the outcome is in our hands. We’ve had a good weekend of training after last weekend’s result and the boys are looking forward to it.
“It’s going to be a tough game. Every game has meaning and Hearts won’t roll out a red carpet for us. They’ll try and make it tough but at the same time it’s the way you want to win it - you want to earn it. We were in this situation last year and the more you’re in it, you play the big games, you understand as much as there’s hype and excitement about it, it still comes down to us keeping our heads clear and playing our football.
“It’s always a tough and entertaining game at Tynecastle. The crowd get behind them, it’s a great atmosphere. Steven Naismith has come in and people I’ve spoken to about him speak very highly of him. I like the way he’s gone about it, he’s very clear in the press about the way he wants to set up his team and wants to achieve and they’re playing for European football as well. You don’t get given anything at Tynecastle so if we want to be champions come the end of the game then we need to earn it.
“If people are new in the game then see how they go about it. I like the way he’s gone about it. He hasn’t rolled out the normal stuff you hear from managers taking over. It’s his first steps in management so we’ll see how it goes.”
Postecoglou knows his players will be well aware of the prize that awaits but said: “The process stays the same but they’re human beings and know what’s on the line. Naturally, they get excited about the prospect of achieving what we’re close to doing. My words and the way we work is more about making sure within that context we understand there are ore principles we need to bring to the game.
“We start every season wanting to be champions of the league. That has to be the ultimate goal as that sets you apart from every other team in the competition. You know the prize at the end of it is Champions League football so last year and this year that has been our priority.
“The lads’ consistency both in terms of performances and results has been outstanding. The way they’ve juggled the different challenges, playing Champions League football which takes an enormous toll, and getting through that period without it affecting our league form - the World Cup, all these kind of things - the way they’ve adapted and rose to those challenges has been outstanding.”
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