‘All that matters’: Paul Hartley says Celtic only need to do one thing to enact ‘momentum’ shift

Celtic travel to Motherwell this weekend in search of three points amid their ongoing battle to claim a third league title in succession.

Brendan Rodgers will need to galvanise his side in search of further silverware, with little room to fall below these standards, given the sizeable Champions League financial package on offer to the Scottish Premiership winners.

Last weekend, Celtic couldn’t see off Kilmarnock despite being ahead until the 92nd minute, exhibiting their need to improve in both boxes during a period that has brought substantial pressure to the Irishman’s door.

Nevertheless, Rodgers, alongside a core group among his squad, has been over the course before and knows what is required to turn things around, starting with the trip to Fir Park this weekend.

Stuart Kettlewell’s outfit usually give Celtic a run for their money, evidenced by their 1-1 draw at Parkhead in late November.

Matt O’Riley settled the scoring in dramatic circumstances the last time the two sides went head-to-head in North Lanarkshire, though it would be nice to see three points return to Glasgow in a less frantic manner on Sunday.

Viewers who cannot obtain match tickets will be able to catch all the action live on Sky Sports Main Event, with the match kicking off at 12 noon.

Paul Hartley tells Celtic what they need to do in title hunt

Two-time Scottish Premiership champion Paul Hartley has his own memories of getting over the line with Celtic and knows what it takes to get the job done, even under trying circumstances.

The former Dundee manager believes that the Hoops need to string together some winning momentum at any cost, which he describes as a more substantial endeavour operating in an aesthetically pleasing system.

Should Rodgers achieve this, Hartley then explained that ‘momentum’ in the title race could swing at any moment.

Tapping into his own experiences under Gordon Strachan, he stated [Scottish Sun]: “They could be five points behind Rangers by Sunday, and while there is still a lot of football to be played, they can’t really afford to drop more points.

“We had to win at Fir Park in 2008, and it will be the same for Celtic this weekend. That was our mentality back then. Forget nice football; just get the win. Every team and manager would love both, but getting a result is all that matters for Brendan Rodgers.

“I never thought our title hopes were over in 2008, and I certainly don’t think it’s over this season. Rangers have momentum and are playing well, but nobody should write this Celtic team off.

“Their performances have taken a bit of a dip, but things can change so quickly at the top of the table. All it takes is one goal, one victory or defeat and suddenly, the momentum changes.”

Celtic need to show why they deserve to be champions

Titles aren’t handed out in February; however, they can certainly be lost, amplifying the importance of Celtic claiming three points at Fir Park.

Rodgers will be aware that his side isn’t firing on all cylinders right now, though carving out a positive result at a difficult away venue can be used as a launchpad to build on come the season run-in.

The Irishman was brought back to make his money in crunch situations, and it is over to him and the playing staff to prove they deserve to win this title.

GET MORE NEWS ON CELTIC FC FROM SPORTNET247.CO.UK