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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
Sport
Matthew Fulton

Three things we spotted at Celtic training as Liel Abada ready for Hearts and fringe star stakes claim

Celtic notched up 250 not out at the weekend as the exploits of Ange Postecoglou's side became ever more clear.

It looked to be a repeat of déjà vu at St Mirren when Celtic found themselves behind inside five minutes but they responded with five of their own to down the Buddies. Next up a testing double header with Hearts in the hope of first continuing the nine-point advantage in the league before a tantalising Scottish Cup tie at Tynecastle on Saturday.

Postecoglou's squad are in fine fettle as the run-in draws ever closer and Glasgow Live Sport took a look at the action at Lennoxtown.

READ MORE: Ange Postecoglou's Rangers vs Celtic 'touch of class' unseen moment that wowed Alan Hutton

Abada-cadabra!

Liel Abada might not be starting every week for Celtic but the young Israeli continues to remind Postecoglou he's ready and willing.

The 21-year-old has dazzled Parkhead fans with his contributions this season so far despite finding himself locked out of the front three normally housed by Jota, Kyogo and Daizen Maeda.

Liel Abada has been impactful off the bench for Celtic (@CelticFC)

Yet Abada can, and has, made an impact even with limited minutes in recent weeks. He scored off the bench against St Mirren in cup action at Celtic Park before repeating the feat on Sunday with some nifty footwork in Paisley.

Hearts could present the chance for Abada to once again stake his claim, especially with the double header looming.

Tomoki time?

Tomoki Iwata is slowly but surely edging his way in to the Celtic side and has looked steady on his feet since arriving in the winter window.

The Japanese continues to align with Postecoglou's recruitment mantra and played a cool and calm role in the madness of the late stages in the Viaplay Cup final.

Tomoki Iwata is a name now known to Celtic fans (SNSGroup)

Iwata is starting to get noticed despite an intensely tough scenario for places particularly in Celtic's midfield. With a testing double against Hearts this week, could the Japanese be ready for a big start?

Jovial Joe's mantra clear to see

Joe Hart spoke of Celtic 'never taking for granted' the incredible support the club receive from fans.

And while St Mirren's early strike on Sunday may have put some fear in to Postecoglou's men of deja vu, it was a response the Aussie boss could barely have dreamed of in the second half

The experienced stopper hasn't leaked many goals this campaign but will face a tough test in Lawrence Shankland in the next two games. The Scot has only been bested by Kyogo in terms of pure numbers this season.

Joe Hart insists the Celtic squad take nothing for granted (SNSGroup)

But Hart seems to truly take on the mantra of the club and is enjoying a purple patch in Glasgow.

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