Darren O’Dea believes Celtic are peaking on the good time as they try to reel in Hearts on the prime of the Scottish Premiership.
The defending champions path the Tynecastle outfit by one level with two matches to play after they got here from behind to beat Rangers 3-1 on Sunday.
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They host Hearts on the ultimate day of the season, however first journey to Motherwell on Wednesday.
Celtic have turned to Martin O’Neill as interim supervisor twice this season after Brendan Rodgers and Wilfried Nancy left and the veteran Northern Irishman has navigated difficulties each on and off the pitch.
“Celtic have been criticised for their performances and recruitment but something that has gone under the radar is the really big players missing through injury,” O’Dea stated, speaking on the BBC’s Scottish Football Podcast.
“Carter-Vickers, Jota and the two that have come back in – Johnston and Engels.
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“Some gamers want time to get again on top of things, however you’ll be able to see how they’ve immediately impacted the crew.
“I haven’t felt fully confident with Celtic all season because the performance levels haven’t been there. The one thing you can never question is their mentality and their ability to get things done.
“But the efficiency towards Rangers was a extremely good degree, particularly after going behind early.
“And now there is a good synergy with the team and the crowd at Celtic Park again.
“When you begin including these components, it is beginning to come collectively at exactly the right time.
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“If they can get to that last game against Hearts and make it essentially a final, I fully expect Celtic to go and win. Even if it goes to goal difference, I can see them overcoming that, winning two or three nil.”