Stephen Kingsley couldn't even WATCH Celtic finale as nervous Hearts star reveals second half agony

Stephen Kingsley was so nervous as Hearts closed-out their fantastic success over Celtic that he couldn’t even watch. But, in the 45 minutes he was on the Parkhead pitch, the Tynecastle hero had already done enough to help smash the club’s Parkhead jinx.

Kingsley’s brilliant free-kick on the half-hour added to Lawrence Shankland’s header and gave Hearts a first league win in Glasgow’s East End for 16 years. As the stung hosts tried to claw their lead back before the interval, the stopper’s incredible last-gasp block prevented Luis Palma from giving Celtic a lifeline and boosting their momentum for the restart.

Kingsley was unable to make it out for the second period due to a groin issue, but he’d already played an enormous role. The 29-year-old was confident his colleagues would see it out, but only when the match entered the final minute did re-emerge from the dressing room. He explained: “I was inside (for the second-half). I’m the most nervous person ever watching games, so I was getting a bit of physio treatment first and then I was just listening in.

“I was gutted not to make it out for the second half, but Toby Sibbick went in there and did brilliantly. From hearing it, I felt we were strong. I was quietly confident we had a very good chance of seeing it out. I went out for the celebrations with about 30 seconds to go!”

Hearts were home and dry by that point and Kingsley was able to savour his magic moments which helped lift Hearts up to third spot in the Premiership. Kingsley’s free-kick was special and he said: “To be honest I always feel like I’ve got a chance. I’m comfortable with the technique I’ve got.

“I’ve practiced it so much, so I’m always confident and positive. This is the first one in a long time and