KELVIN Wilson was delighted to return to the starting XI on Saturday for the Scottish Cup tie against Inverness Caley Thistle. And the defender put in an impressive performance as the Hoops booked their place in the last eight of the tournament where they will face Dundee United, conquerers of Rangers.

Wilson knows that competition for places in Neil Lennon’s squad is fierce, but it’s something he relishes.

CELTIC’S last league defeat came back at the beginning of October when they lost 2-0 away to Hearts, but now Neil Lennon’s side return to Tynecastle tomorrow (Wednesday), looking for a 13th consecutive league win, having produced an impressive run of form.

And as the Celtic manager explained: “It’s the most important game of the season because it’s the next one. ”

There is no extra significance attached to the fixture because of the previous defeat, though that will serve as a warning – not that any is needed – that it will be an extremely tough fixture against Hearts.

AFTER back-to-back cup ties, the players return to league business tomorrow night and following his outstanding performance on Saturday, one player is particularly looking forward to the trip to Tynecastle.

Georgios Samaras was one of the key players in the weekend’s win over Caley Thistle, scoring with a screamer from the edge of the penalty box and earning praise from his manager.

But the big striker is not one for dwelling on the victories and as he looked ahead to tomorrow’s match in an exclusive interview on tonight’s Huddle Online, he explained why he has been limbering up for one of the toughest games of the season.

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Preview followed by live coverage of Wednesday's game between Hearts and Celtic in the Scottish Premier League.

Celtic defender Adam Matthews says the Scottish Cup holders face a stern test against Dundee United in the last eight.

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