CELTIC V HEARTS 5 CLASSIC CLASHES

STRANGE and special things tend to happen when Celtic and Hearts meet - especially when there is a lot at stake.

Today's clash is the most eagerly anticipated between the teams in some years.

If these past five memorable matches are anything to go by, then we are in for a cracker

Celtic 0 Hearts 1 - Oct 12, 1985

WALLACE MERCER hit out with a fantastic quote, even for him, after a match dominated by Celtic but won by Hearts courtesy of John Robertson's strike.

The then Tynecastle chairman said: "I now hope Celtic go on and win the league."

Boy, did he regret saying that. The title race between the two sides went right to the wire with Celtic winning on goal difference

Celtic 2 Hearts 2 - Dec 12, 1987

A CLASSIC match between the two teams who would go head-to-head for the title again.

Hearts were 2-0 up thanks to goals from Robertson and Mike Galloway. But Andy Walker pulled one back from the spot before Paul McStay levelled with virtually the last kick of the game.

If you took away Celtic's late goals that season Hearts would have been champions and Scottish Cup finalists

Hearts 1 Celtic 1Feb 2, 1998

A WIN would take Celtic into top spot, but Jim Jefferies' side were made of stern stuff.

Jackie McNamara scored just before half-time and Harald Brattback then missed loads of chances. However, it seemed the points were in the bag until Jose Quitongo equalised deep into injury time.

Celtic went on to win the title but it was still anyone's after this game

Hearts 2 Celtic 1April 19, 2003

CELTIC were in the middle of their UEFA Cup semi-final with Boavista when they travelled to Tynecastle needing a win to keep up with Rangers.

They took the lead through Henrik Larsson but Phil Stamp squared a scrappy game. And with seconds to go Celtic fan Austin McCann raced half the length of the pitch to score a spectacular winner.

Apparently his family haven't spoken to him since

Celtic 0 Hearts 2 - April 2, 2005

IT all began to unravel for Celtic after this game. Hearts, with nothing to play for and free from any real pressure, were 2-0 up in 19 minutes through goals from Lee Miller and Mark Burchill.

Celtic couldn't do a thing right and their fans started to fear their team would hand the title to Rangers. They were right to be worried

Taken from the Daily Record