Hearts boss Neilson looking to slow Celtic's title charge
The two sides face off on Saturday
Hearts head coach Robbie Neilson believes a home win over Celtic on Saturday would represent further progress for the Tynecastle side following their return to the top flight.
The Gorgie men are sure to finish at least third in the Ladbrokes Premiership and have secured European football for next season, but have yet to register a victory over the champions elect in four meetings.
In addition to 0-0 and 2-2 draws and a 3-1 defeat in the league at Celtic Park earlier in the month, the Edinburgh side were knocked out of the Scottish League Cup by Ronny Deila's side last October.
Neilson is hoping to get that coveted victory over the Hoops in their lunchtime encounter.
He said: It is important in that it gives the players confidence.
We have had some really good performances against Celtic.
We got a 2-2 draw at Tynecastle which was a really good game for us and we could possibly have taken more out of the games.
We played really well in the last game there. We probably dominated the game in the first half and had three or four good chances, but didn't take them and that could be the difference between winning and losing against Celtic.
They will get one chance and score, so we need to make sure that if we get a chance we score
So there is confidence from the last game, but we want to improve from there.
We are progressing and taking small steps and getting a result against them would be a good step for us.''
Celtic travel to Edinburgh knowing a win would effectively clinch their fifth successive title.
The Parkhead side would go 12 points clear of Aberdeen, who play the first of their remaining four games later in the day at home to Motherwell.
However, the goal difference which currently stands at 36 in the Hoops' favour would surely render their lead unassailable.
The former Hearts defender said: It is important that we go and perform and try to get a result.
What will be will be with Celtic. It's their title to win or lose, it is up to them to decide what they do celebration-wise or whatever or when it is.
Our job is to make sure they don't do it at Tynecastle and we will be working hard to try to do that.''