Ange views Hearts as title contenders

ANGE POSTECOGLOU has dismissed talk of a two-horse race for the Premiership, insisting Hearts are still in the hunt alongside the Old Firm. Robbie Neilson’s side have the chance to leapfrog Celtic into second tonight should they secure their first Parkhead win in the league since 2007.

And, despite the capital club going five away games in the Premiership without a win, Postecoglou insists he will never be drawn into writing off the early pacesetters. ‘I think every game is a challenge,’ said the Celtic boss. ‘If you start thinking you’re only involved in a two-horse race then there’s no doubt that, if it turns into a two-horse race, then you will finish second. ‘That’s because you’ve

disregarded the rest of the

field and I’m not going to do that and I haven’t done that. ‘I’m just not interested in people focusing on a two-horse race as, for me, every game is a challenge, particularly when games come thick and fast. ‘I’m not going to disrespect any opponent and we’re not going to think any opponent is going to be any simpler a challenge for us to solve than any other. It’s the same three points and it’s all about putting them in the bank.’

Postecoglou’s Celtic reign got off to a tough start when Hearts beat his team on the opening day of the Premiership at Tynecastle. Midfielder Beni Baningime, who was man of the match that day, is missing tonight. Peter Haring is set to deputise for the midfielder who was carried off with an ankle injury in Saturday’s win over St Mirren. ‘It will be a tough match,’ said Postecoglou. ‘Hearts have been very consistent, they have some excellent players, are well organised and have an outstanding goalkeeper. They have some speed up front and we are ready for that.

‘Ultimately it’s about us and how we play our football, particularly at home. We need to put the opposition on the backfoot and dominate the game.’

Tom Rogic and Nir Bitton are available again after injury but, with summer signing James McCarthy producing his best display for the club in the 2-1 win over Aberdeen on Sunday, Postecoglou will have a decision to make over the make-up of his midfield. ‘His performance on Sunday