Ian Cathro: 5-0 defeat didn't reflect Hearts' performance

Hearts boss Ian Cathro believes Celtic's 5-0 victory at Tynecastle was harsh on his side and didn't reflect 'the majority of the game'.

Hearts head coach Ian Cathro watches on as his side lose heavily to Celtic. Picture: SNS

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Brendan Rodgers’ side wrapped up the Ladbrokes Premiership title thanks to a hat-trick from Scott Sinclair and goals from Stuart Armstrong and Patrick Roberts.

The final score was at odds with the opening 24 minutes, prior to Sinclair’s opener, where Hearts had their chances to take the lead.

When they broke through they found goalkeeper Craig Gordon in inspired form, but the game soon slipped away from them after Sinclair’s quick-fire double.

Despite the heavy loss, Cathro insists he’s more confident heading into Wednesday’s match with St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park after the performance.

Cathro congratulated Celtic on their title success, but added: “The scoreline no way reflects the majority of that game.

“We needed to take our opportunities if we wanted to put ourselves ahead and then allow the game continue.

“We spoke openly and directly before the game that this is the first of a three-game week which is very important to us.

“And what is important for me to put across is that I feel even better, stronger and more confident going into Wednesday’s game than the reverse.

“Often we try to create the idea that this doesn’t impact on the next game. It doesn’t. We are better, stronger and very much look forward to McDiarmid Park.”