Ibrox result grants Caldwell’s title race wish

If only all Gary Caldwell's wishes came true so quickly. About 1500 hrs, just after the Tussle of Tynecastle, the Celtic player was asked about his views on the title race. "We are going to go try to win this league and not allow Rangers to hand it to us," he said.

Moments later, a large-screen television flashed the news that Andrius Velicka had put Rangers ahead against Motherwell. Walter Smith's team, it appears, have no intention of handing the Clydesdale Bank Premier League title to their rivals.

Caldwell seemed unconcerned by the concession of two points to an athletic and technically astute Hearts side. "It's up to us to go and grasp it," he said of the title. "We are still in front. If we win every game, we win the league."

The former Hibernian player is in good form and has proved his worth in two roles for Celtic this season. On Saturday, he started in central midfield but was brought back when Stephen McManus failed to reappear after half-time because he was struggling with an ankle injury that has dogged him since the international break.

"If he says he is fit to play, he is fit to play. You have to go with that. But as a team we have players who have knocks. It's that time of the season. We have to dig in because we are going to be there fighting right to the very end," said Caldwell, forgiving his team-mate for his eagerness to play.

He was also realistic about what counts at this stage of the season. "We believe we are playing well," he explained. "But it doesn't matter how you are playing. It's points that matter. Only time will tell if that was a good point or a bad point. There were spells when we under the cosh and we had to dig in. It is always tough here and we will take a point."

His contentment at leaving Tynecastle with a point was not diminished by the realisation that Hearts are capable of matching any side at home. "Rangers will find it is a tough place to come," said Caldwell.

His final verdict on the title race was succinct. "There is a long way to go," he said, "but we are still ahead and we still believe we are going to win it."

Bruno Aguiar was more circumspect about his predictions. The Hearts midfielder, who equalised Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink's opener, insisted Rangers would find Tynecastle a tough venue but was unable to shed much light on his long-term future at the club.

He said: "Now the team has a lot of confidence and we played very good football again today. At home, we can beat every team. We are happy we are in the top six but now we want more."

But what does Aguiar want personally? "I have one month and two weeks with Hearts. I do not know anything about my future. Now is not the moment to speak about my future."

Taken from the Herald