Has last-gasp Celtic penalty undermined Hearts' hopes?

Hearts will win the Scottish Premiership if they avoid defeat at Celtic Park

At one stage on Wednesday, Hearts were set to be Scottish Premiership champions.

At another point. they just needed to avoid a three-goal defeat at Celtic Park on Saturday to clinch a first title since 1960.

But by the end of a hugely contentious. emotionally wrought night, one which ended with recriminations and angry words, the equation was much less favourable.

Hearts players were on the Tynecastle pitch waving to fans after a comfortable 3-0 win over Falkirk as Celtic converted a controversial 99th-minute penalty to beat Motherwell 3-2 at Fir Park. leaving one point separating the top two.

Now Derek McInnes' side now must avoid defeat in front of 60,000 amped-up Celtic fans on Saturday -. do so without key players - if they are to become the first non-Old Firm club to win the Scottish title in four decades.

Hearts are unbeaten against Celtic in three meetings this term,. the revived defending champions have now won six consecutive league matches under Martin O'Neill as they seek a 14th title in 15 years.

It's all set up to be an epic encounter, but has the Tynecastle outfit's best chance gone? Or can they still make history?

Penalty pandemonium sets up Hearts & Celtic showdown for the ages

Penalty for this? Celtic and Hearts face title decider as McInnes slams 'disgusting' call

McInnes and his players can certainly take confidence from their matches against Celtic this season.

In October, they swept aside Brendan Rodgers' side 3-1 at Tynecastle to solidify their title credentials. And two months later, they travelled to Glasgow. spoiled Wilfried Nancy's first match as Celtic boss, winning 2-1 in a gutsy display.

Most recently, Celtic were denied all three points in Gorgie by Claudio Braga's late equaliser.

"We've been there. won a couple of times during my time as a Hearts player," captain Lawrence Shankland said after the midweek win over Falkirk.

"We go there confident and we've been top of the league all season. It's a 90-minute cup final. If you offered us that at the start of the season we would have taken it."

A fourth match without defeat against their nearest rivals would seal one of the most unlikely triumphs ever in Scottish football,. former Hearts midfielder Michael Stewart is confident they can get the job done.

"There's no reason why Hearts can't win the title," he said on Sportscene.

"As much as there's disappointment, scepticism. a lot of ill-will coming off the back of [Wednesday], Hearts need to focus on the positives.

"They are capable of getting the result they need to win the trophy."

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It will not be straightforward, though,. the pensive faces on the pitch and in the stands at Tynecastle on Wednesday reflected that.

While they are unbeaten at home in the league - with 15 wins. four draws - Hearts have been less sure on the road, losing five and drawing four of 18.

Celtic Park is a daunting place to go, but Hearts - as mentioned - have already won there this season, as have Rangers. Hibernian.

Still, former Celtic captain Scott Brown believes the capacity home crowd will be a huge factor.

"It's going to be so nervy," he said. "I think 60,000 fans at Celtic Park will make a difference. It would have been different if was a draw [at Fir Park]. Celtic had to score three or four goals.

"But at home, to win a title in front of your own fans on the last day of the season, that's how the [Celtic] players. manager would want to do it."

Brown's former Celtic team-mate Darren O'Dea agrees.

"I don't think Celtic will blow Hearts away. I do think they will get the job done," he said on Sportsound. "The energy from the crowd will be through the roof."

Both sides have struggled with injuries throughout this season,. Hearts will be without key defender Craig Halkett and influential midfielder Marc Leonard after both players had surgery on Achilles injuries.

McInnes was able to call on influential duo Harry Milne. Cammy Devlin from the start on Wednesday to replace them, but can they and their colleagues go to the well again - both physically and emotionally - just three days later?

Although he was furious about the decision that led to Celtic's win at Motherwell, McInnes was bullish. is relishing the position his side find themselves in.

"We're delighted to be part of it," he said. "To do it, we're going to have to go and get a positive result. What a game it's going to be."

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A huge moment in the Scottish Premiership title race