Celtic return to Scottish Premiership action on Sunday determined to put their European troubles behind them when they welcome high-flying Hearts to Parkhead.

Martin O’Neill’s side have endured a difficult spell in continental competition, with Thursday’s 4-1 defeat by Benfica in Lisbon exposing familiar defensive frailties and leaving their Europa League campaign under considerable pressure.

However, the Hoops have enjoyed greater success domestically and will be eager to maintain their momentum against a Hearts side who have emerged as genuine challengers near the top of the table.

Celtic currently sit top of the table with 21 points from their opening eight matches, while Hearts occupy third spot on 16 points. The Gorgie outfit head along the M8 with ambitions of making another statement against one of the league’s established powers. This fixture therefore represents a significant test for both sides, albeit for different reasons.

The champions’ home advantage make them slight favourites, but the Jambos have enough quality and organisation to make this a testing encounter. Much will depend on whether Celtic can rediscover their defensive solidity while maintaining the attacking urgency shown in a much-improved second half showing in Lisbon.

What has Celtic boss, Martin O’Neill said?

Martin O'Neill views Hearts as genuine title challengers again this season, with both sides currently separated by five points going into Sunday's encounter.

"I have a lot of admiration for it. I really do. I have a great admiration for the way they stuck at it last season, the whole way through. Considering that they were up there all that time. You're up there, you're looking down, you feel as if, ‘oh gosh, could it happen? They kept it going right to the end.

“Okay, so they've lost the manager and lost a couple of players as well. But I genuinely feel that they're a strong challenge. I think that can only be good.

“They went so, so close. I think inevitably they were going to lose a couple of players. If you're thinking about the big centre-forward has gone to Rangers and things like that. But I think they've recruited really well and I just think they're physically very strong, again, which they were last season. And yeah, they are definitely challengers.”

How we think Celtic will line up vs Hearts

Viljami Sinisalo; Colby Donovan, Auston Trusty, Liam Scales, Kieran Tierney; Callum McGregor, Mika Baur, Benjamin Nygren; Haissem Hassan, Callum Osmand; Camilo Duran.

SUBS: Sam Johnstone (GK), Jordan Lotomba, Kasper Hogh, Sebastian Tounekti, Oliver Sorensen, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Shim Mheuka, Dane Murray, Anthony Ralston.