Hearts went down at home last night to Celtic who are now five points clear at the top of the Ladbrokes Premier League. 

Hearts matched the visitors for the opening 25 minutes before Ryan Christie’s curling shot nestled low in the corner of the net – against the run of play. 

Celtic doubled their lead just before the half time interval after some poor defending gifted the ball to Ntcham who slammed the ball into the net. 

Celtic could have scored more in the second half but it ended 2-0 for Neil Lennon’s side. 

After the game Hearts gaffer, Daniel Stendel said “We started well, but it was hard on my team that we conceded with the first shot, but this is quality from Celtic. 

“The performance was OK, sometimes good. “We need this mentality in every game, not just against Celtic, then we have a chance in every game. 

“We need a little bit more luck and maybe a bit more quality in the final third and we’ll score. And when we score I think the heads will be up and we’ll come on.”

Stendel’s side are 11th, above Hamilton Academical – who they face on Saturday – only on goal difference.