‘Hearts have what it takes to beat Celtic’

Adam Eckersley, right, is set to start against Celtic after appearing as a substitute in Saturdays win over Rangers. Picture: Lisa Ferguson

Adam Eckersley is adamant Hearts possess the quality to complete an Old Firm double when Celtic visit Tynecastle on William Hill Scottish Cup duty on Sunday.

The capital club are in buoyant mood after stretching their lead at the summit of the Championship to nine points thanks to a crucial 2-0 win against Rangers last weekend.

However, there is no time to bask in the glory of that triumph as a mouthwatering fourth round clash with Celtic looms large on the horizon.

Hearts have already succumbed to defeat by Celtic this term, Ronny Deila’s men recording a 3-0 League Cup win at Parkhead – a match in which Eckersley suffered the ignominy of netting an own goal.

However, Osman Sow missed a penalty with the game balanced at 1-0 that evening and, after reflecting on an “unlucky” trip to Glasgow, Eckersley believes Hearts are capable of stunning the champions in Gorgie.

A confident Eckersley said: “Beating Celtic will be a tall order but we definitely have the squad to do that. Especially at Tynecastle with the backing we get from the fans, anything can happen. The atmosphere is fantastic and it makes you look forward to putting your boots on and performing.

“We played Celtic earlier on in the season and I think we were a bit unlucky – and hopefully there is no repeat of the own goal from me! That’s just one of those things, and I’m really looking forward to the rematch. The league is very important and if we can do well in the cup then it’s a real bonus.”

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Eckersley will come into the Hearts side against Celtic after first-choice left-back Kevin McHattie was ruled out for six weeks due to medial ligament damage in his knee.

The injury was sustained during a reckless challenge by Rangers striker Kenny Miller, who was booked for the tackle and substituted minutes later.

Eckersley has plenty of sympathy for his injured colleague, but stopped short of criticising Rangers’ approach. Instead, he admitted to lapping up the physicality of a fiery contest at Tynecastle.