Celtic manager Neil Lennon has said that his team can pile pressure on others by picking up three points in their match against Hearts at Tynecastle.

The match is Celtic’s "game in hand" over title rivals Rangers and a win would open up a gap of four points at the top of the Scottish Premier League table.

Hearts were the last side to beat Celtic in the league, back in October before an unbeaten run for Lennon’s side saw them make up ground and leapfrog Rangers into top spot.

The manager said there was no added significance because of the previous result but that the match had it’s own reasons for being a big step in the title race.

"I don't think it gives it any more importance,” Lennon said.

"It's the most important game of the season because it's the next one.

"We have a chance to extend our lead at the top of the table and just try to put pressure on everybody else.

"I think we are in a different place to where we were then.

"Confidence is good. The team is playing very well and they are taking a lot of pride in what they are doing at the moment."

While keen to see his team’s results ask questions of other sides, Lennon was confident that his players would be able to handle the expectation surrounding them as they aim for three domestic trophies this season.

"Pressure is pressure,” he said. “These guys have had the expectation levels for the last few seasons and they are coping very well.

"Whether this brings extra pressure or not, I don't know. But I'm sure it's pressure they can cope with."