O’Neill relishes ‘bit of a breather’

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill is hoping to take advantage of a break in his club’s hectic fixture schedule to close the gap on league leaders Rangers.

The Parkhead side's extended run in Europe this season which has taken them to the semi-finals of the UEFA Cup means the Hoops have spent several weeks playing midweek fixtures as they attempt to catch their Old Firm rivals.

Rangers' Tennent's Scottish Cup semi-final against Motherwell this weekend means Celtic have the chance to make the most of their game in hand, against Hearts, as they try to cut the Ibrox side's lead to five points.