Joe Hart shares his observations on Celtic training and the dressing room ahead of the title run-in.

Nobody at Celtic or Rangers is particularly interested in building up the upcoming title race beyond acknowledging the evident stakes, given the abundance of possible detours that lie ahead.

Brendan Rodgers will tell you he is completely focused on the Bhoys, and Philippe Clement would say the same about his Ibrox team.

The tension is definitely rising for the fans. Two of Celtic’s eight remaining Scottish Premiership games are derbies.

However, what mood are the players in? It should be mentioned that a large number of this team has competed in and won championship races in the past. To hold all the medals this group has won, a large cupboard would be required.

Right now, Celtic is exuding a calmness that isn’t a result of complacency. The ideal illustration was Joe Hart’s appearance in the media today.

Joe Hart on the current state of mind of the Celtics team

Having stayed at Lennoxtown during the international break, the big custodian is witnessing a confident team primed to make a last-ditch effort to win a trophy.

During a Friday press conference, Hart stated:  “It was used well. Some got good international minutes, and we stayed back and got some good training in.

“We’re all ready to go. Especially the guys who didn’t have the internationals as a distraction. We’ve been waiting for this to come around now and we’re looking forward to Sunday.

“We’ve got to take it on. We have to keep everyone in as good a condition as we possibly can and have a stronger squad to pick from and we have to attack every game.

When asked how the dressing room was feeling, Hart replied, “We’re in a good place. There’s always that fresh feeling after an international break. You spend an awful lot of time together so it’s nice to have some time apart, have a few stories to share. We’re getting a few people back fit. I feel like we’re in a good spot.”

Joe Hart is able to retire with a high

This is Hart’s final chance, and he will be anxious to leave with some silverware.

Although the Englishman has already achieved great success in the game and has nothing left to prove, making a lap of honour in front of 60,000 fans would be extremely memorable.

The goalie still has the ability to make saves to help Celtic win. It’s acknowledged that the Bhoys can improve this summer, but it would be immensely fulfilling to see Hart at the centre of more trophy victories in Scotland.

In other news, Rangers issued a statement in response to the new-style away allocation agreed upon for matches against Celtic.