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The Celtic game always packs the Tynecastle stadium

Celtic have a CL game in Milan on Wednesday ahead of them, but manager Lennon insists their minds are on the Hearts game only

After a few positive results in a row, the brave Hearts team was defeated in the difficult away game with championship leaders Inverness. The young Gary Locke's team was lucky to win seven points so far in the championship, largely thanks to the dedication and spirited play, as well as brilliant support from the fans in these difficult moments for them, but the strong Inverness team proved to be too much for a team that has got only three players over 23 years of age among their ranks.

Today the Edinburgh youngsters are having another very demanding exam - the reigning champions Celtic are in town. Fortunately for the home team, the game comes right after the international break and the guests did not have time for any special preparation, while they also have a CL fixture in Milan on Wednesday ahead of them. In addition, manager Locke believes that his players can enter this match without pressure, unlike Celtic.

- After two home games in which the audience was really behind us, it seems to me that the players can cope well with such an atmosphere. On Saturday I again expect a hot atmosphere, as always when Hearts play Celtic at Tynecastle. I think the pressure is on Celtic, but when you play for a club that big you are under pressure every week. The pressure to win is tremendous. From our point of view, it is a positive thing that we have a young and enthusiastic team. Seeing them in training this week, they are really looking forward to this game. The international break went down well, a few of our players had a chance to rest. We enjoyed a good start, but it was important to rest some players. This is a game we're all looking forward to. The ground will be full, we are playing the champions, a team full of international stars, and it's great for our young players. I do not know what Neil Lennon came up with, having in mind the match in the Champions League. He might make a few changes, but he also may play the strongest side, which I think he will do - said Locke.

Two very important players will be back for the home team - defenders Wilson, the team captain, and McHattie. Only the experienced midfielder Stevenson is out.

Neil Lennon points out that while everyone is talking about the Milan game, he is thinking only of the duel with Hearts and demands a victory ahead of the San Siro fixture.

- Last season we have not dealt well with games before and after the Champions League matches. This is a field we want to work on. After the great effort we put in qualifying for the Champions League, we had only two days to recover for the duel with Dundee United and we won by a late goal. For me it was a great performance from my players who showed mental strength and I want to see the same tomorrow. I do not want anyone to save himself for Wednesday. I let everyone know that slackers might be excluded from the team on Wednesday. We're fielding the strongest team. I want to win and I want to leave for Milan in a good mood. It is always difficult to come back after the international break. We were all in great mood after Karaganda and Dundee United, but now we've had only one day to work with the players - said Lennon and then commented on Hearts:
- Gary Locke is doing a great job, the players play for him, they play for the club and that's important. This may be a blessing in disguise, the way they gave a chance to young players. At Tynecastle there's always a great turnout and a good atmosphere, and this is a really good match for us ahead of Milan.

Lennon will probably rest some of his best players, particularly with regard to the fatigue that had accumulated during national team games. Defender Mouyokol, who suffered a serious injury, representative midfielder Forrest and reinforcement Biton, who is still waiting for his debut, are certainly out. Striker Pukki, a recent arrival from Schalke, might come on.

This bet is based largely on the fact that Hearts are simply too weak to resist a team like Celtic. It is already known that Hearts are subject to bankruptcy proceedings, the club owes a lot of money and has a ban on buying new players until January. The result of this is the youngest team in the league. After a few good performances, the Hearts' youngsters were in their last match overrun by the dominant Inverness side. Today I expect the same thing. Celtic has a huge players' base and even their second team is a cut above Hearts. Lennon will possibly rest a few starters, but the substitutes can play just as well. Lennon is trying everything to motivate his players to give their all in the league game before the Champions League match. Although Hearts are far weaker than in previous years, I believe that Celtic will not lack motivation against an old rival whom they beat 4-0 in the last two games at Tynecastle. The full stadium will only spur them on and I expect an aggressive display from the champions from the very start.