Patrick aims to complete job this time

PAUL KIDDIE

PATRICK KISNORBO today urged his Hearts team-mates to rekindle the ‘spirit of Parkhead’ as the Jambos look to upset newly-crowned champions Celtic, writes PAUL KIDDIE.

Earlier this month, Craig Levein’s side came within a whisker of shocking the Glasgow giants at Parkhead when goals from Kevin McKenna and Mark de Vries had the Gorgie outfit 2-0 going into the dying moments of the game.

The hosts, though, snatched a draw with late goals from Chris Sutton and Didier Agathe to stun the visitors.

The dramatic twist was hard to take for the men from Tynecastle. But as the Jambos prepare for the visit of the Hoops in tomorrow’s live televised showdown in the Capital, Aussie star Kisnorbo reckons a repeat of the performance which came close to ending Celtic’s remarkable home record before Aberdeen brought it shuddering to a halt in midweek, could see Hearts come out on top.

"That was a great result for Aberdeen during the week but we had the chance to do it a few weeks ago," he said.

"To lose the match the way we did was a big disappointment and it actually felt as if we had lost the three points instead of gaining one.

"At least we showed we can compete with them and we know we can rise to the occasion. If we can put in the same kind of performance tomorrow then we will have a chance.

"We need to show a lot of self-belief but the way Celtic came back in that game shows what a good side they are and it is obviously going to be a very difficult game."

Kisnorbo, who heads to Tunisia with the Australian Olympic squad for Wednesday’s friendly in Monastir after tomorrow’s clash, is expecting something of a backlash from Celtic after Martin O’Neill’s side lost their 77-game unbeaten home record to the unfancied Dons on Wednesday night.

"You could look at it two ways," he said.

"They have already won the league so don’t really have anything to play for but on the other hand they will want to get their pride back after losing to Aberdeen.

"But we are determined to finish in third this season again and the sooner we can do that the easier it will be for ourselves."

Taken from the Scotsman