Hearts vs Celtic preview: Celtic to begin life without Brendan Rodgers

Neil Lennon takes charge of Celtic for a tricky clash away at Hearts in the Scottish Premiership on Wednesday, live on Sky Sports Football from 7pm.

Lennon's return to the Hoops - on a deal until the end of the season - was confirmed on Tuesday evening, shortly after Leicester announced Brendan Rodgers as their new manager.

Lennon makes a swift return to the dugout as Celtic look to maintain their healthy lead at the top of the table, with second-placed Rangers hosting Dundee at Ibrox.

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Celtic have won seven on the trot since losing to their Old Firm rivals in late December, but have lost two of their last three games against Hearts at Tynecastle.

Hearts boss Craig Levein has backed Rodgers to be a success at Leicester but says he is "surprised" and "sad" he is leaving Celtic.

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"It's a surprise to me," Levein said. "I don't know what Brendan's thought process is, but I know that he was very good for Celtic. He was on the brink of doing something quite spectacular. Obviously I'm not Brendan Rodgers and I don't know what his motivation is.

"I don't think he could have done much more than what he's done. In some ways, it'll be sad to see him go, he's been good for the game up here."

Team news

Skipper Scott Brown returns from suspension for Celtic's trip to Tynecastle.

Midfielder Ryan Christie picked up a hamstring injury in the win over Motherwell at the weekend and will miss out.

Olivier Ntcham, Anthony Ralston, Filip Benkovic, Tom Rogic, Eboue Kouassi, Daniel Arzani and Leigh Griffiths remain out for various reasons.

Clevid Dikamona (thigh) and Jake Mulraney (hamstring) are 50/50 for Hearts, but Demi Mitchell's season is over with a knee injury.

Opta stats

• Hearts have won just two of their last 23 Scottish Premiership matches against Celtic (W2 D2 L19), although those two victories have come in the last five such meetings.
• Celtic have lost two of their last three away league games against Hearts (W1), as many as in their previous 12 combined (W9 D1 L2).
• Hearts have lost only once in their last six home top-flight games (W3 D2 L1), losing to Dundee in January.
• Since losing versus Rangers in December, Celtic have won their last seven Scottish Premiership fixtures by an aggregate score of 18-1.
• Celtic's Scott Sinclair has scored 12 goals in his last 14 appearances in all competitions.

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