BRENDAN Rodgers believes Hearts did the “sensible” thing by appointing Craig Levein.

Tynecastle is the venue where Rodgers managed his first Celtic league game and then many month later wrapped up the league title.

And quite a lot has changed in down Gorgie away since then, including the main stand, and Celtic’s manager believes Sunday’s opponents got it right when it came to replacing Ian Cathro.

Rodgers said: “I don't know Craig at all but it was a sensible appointment by Hearts to put him in.

"When Ian left there would have been a host of managers and coaches wanting that job. It's traditionally one of the big clubs in Scotland with plans to move forward with new stand.

"But there probably wouldn't have been too many better than Craig. He's had success in Scotland as a manager before, he worked in the top league in England. He's also been an international manager and has an overview of the whole club.

"Craig has a grasp of what is going on and it looked a sensible appointment from the start.

"They have had a couple of good results in recent weeks and it was important for Hearts to get back home.

"It doesn't matter how nice and beautiful Murrayfield is...it's still not home. That's good for Hearts to get back home and get some good results.”

Harry Cochrane at 16 is expected to be put into the midfield for Hearts up against Scott Brown et all, and he’s hardly the only player Levein has looked to who could easily still be at school.

It’s a policy backed by the Celtic manager.

Rodgers said: “As a coach and a manager you are looking to pick the best team. If the best players are your young players, then you play them.

"You have to applaud Craig and his staff for having the faith to put them in. I saw the young lad Cochrane play against Linfield in a pre-season friendly and he looked good.

"I also saw him in the derby game against Hibs. He has personality to play. At 16, you have no fear. You don't have a history - it's all new. You just go and play.”