Look Out for ‘The Lizard’: Why Celtic Should Fear the Threat from Hearts More Than Rangers
As Celtic prepare for the upcoming Scottish Premiership season, much of the attention has, as usual, focused on their age-old rivalry with Rangers. But while the Old Firm battle continues to dominate headlines, there’s a growing sense in Scottish football that the real threat to Celtic’s title defense could be coming from elsewhere — Tynecastle, to be precise.
Hearts are emerging as serious contenders, with many insiders warning that Brendan Rodgers’ side should be more worried about The Jambos than their Glasgow neighbors. And at the heart of that threat? A player whose nickname alone is starting to cause a stir — “The Lizard.”
Who is ‘The Lizard’?
The man behind the moniker is Hearts’ new midfield enforcer, Calem Nieuwenhof. The Australian powerhouse earned the nickname for his cold, calculated playing style and his ability to read the game with almost reptilian instinct. Signed from Western Sydney Wanderers last season, Nieuwenhof quickly became a fan favorite at Tynecastle with his tough tackling, positional intelligence, and surprising eye for goal.
Opposition managers have described him as “hard to track and even harder to stop.” His relentless energy and aggressive pressing often unsettle opponents’ midfield rhythm — something Celtic experienced firsthand in last season’s shock defeat at Tynecastle.
Hearts Building Momentum
But it’s not just Nieuwenhof that Celtic should worry about. Under manager Steven Naismith, Hearts have quietly built a squad capable of challenging the Old Firm duopoly. With a blend of experience and emerging talent, Hearts boast one of the best home records in the league and finished last season just behind Rangers, securing third place and European football.
Their summer recruitment has been impressive too. The addition of forward Lawrence Shankland — who recently snubbed transfer interest from Rangers to stay at Tynecastle — gives them serious firepower. Meanwhile, winger Alan Forrest and playmaker Jorge Grant continue to grow in influence.
Rangers Still in Transition
While Rangers have been busy in the transfer market, their squad overhaul is still a work in progress. With new manager Philippe Clement still bedding in fresh signings and dealing with lingering inconsistency from last season, many believe they remain vulnerable, especially in the early months of the campaign.
By contrast, Hearts are settled, with a clear tactical identity and a squad full of players with points to prove.
A Real Title Race?
Of course, toppling Celtic over 38 games remains a huge ask for any club outside the Old Firm. But if there’s a team capable of causing an upset this season — or at least pushing Celtic all the way — Hearts look the most likely.
With ‘The Lizard’ lurking in midfield and a squad full of fight and belief, don’t be surprised if it’s the men from Tynecastle, not Ibrox, giving Celtic sleepless nights.