Manager Postecoglou will be glad to have the services of his former Socceroos charge Rogic back for Thursday's encounter after he missed the last month with a hamstring injury picked up against Hibs in October.

It looks like a big match for Celtic's Australian boss with his second-placed side sitting two points ahead of Hearts in the table but Postecoglou just shrugged: "Statement games are at the back end of the season.

"Let's just keep our pistols in our holsters for a little while.

"I have said a few times, you can get distracted by so many shiny objects everywhere.

"Our form has been good because we have been concentrating on and respecting every opponent and that is what we will do tomorrow as well."

Postecoglou, who will also have midfielder Nir Bitton back as well as Rogic, recognises the quality of the Tynecastle side, who beat his side 2-1 in his first league match in charge.

Celtic then responded by knocking Hearts out of the League Cup with a 3-2 win in August.

Rivals Rangers meanwhile extended their lead at the top of the table to seven points over Celtic with a 1-0 away win over Hibernian.

Kemar Roofe scored the all important goal from the penalty spot in the 85th minute as Rangers kept Hibs' Socceroos striker Martin Boyle quiet.

Motherwell were reduced to 10 men against Dundee United after Barry Maguire was sent off in the 82nd minute, but they still managed to squeeze out a 1-0 victory at home.

There were also victories for Dundee (1-0) and Aberdeen (2-0) over St Johnstone and 10-man Livingston respectively.

St Mirren and Ross County played to a goalless draw in the other match.

Australian Associated Press