Podcast: Celtic under pressure & injury-hit Hearts head for Europe

What the report says

BBC Sport Football’s Scottish Football Podcast looked ahead to a significant European night for two Scottish clubs, with Andy Burke joined by Stephen McGowan and former Hearts defender Ryan McGowan. The discussion centred on Celtic’s trip to face Besiktas and whether the Glasgow side can halt a troubling run in Europe and secure a needed result.

The podcast also examined the pressure around Celtic manager Martin O’Neill and broader questions about the club’s recruitment, which the guests suggested may be contributing to frustration among supporters. Another theme was whether Celtic Park has lost some of its intimidating edge in continental matches, a concern that has grown alongside recent setbacks.

Hearts were the other main focus, as the Tynecastle side travel to Switzerland to play Thun after a League Cup semi-final defeat by Hibs. The show noted that Hearts are dealing with injuries and asked how they might respond, as well as what a successful Conference League campaign would look like for the club.

The episode, published on 5 November 2026 and running about 26 minutes, provided context on both clubs’ European prospects and the pressure surrounding their domestic form. It framed the night as an important test for Celtic’s recovery and Hearts’ resilience on the road.