AFTER such a long time without games, the Celtic FC Women’s team were frustrated at having a free weekend immediately after their season opener two weeks ago, but manager Fran Alonso is confident the added time will ensure his side are fully prepared to take on Hearts this Sunday (November 1).

The Hoops lost that opening league game 2-0 against a Glasgow City side who had the benefit of weeks more training-time together and competitive action in the form of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final. But the manager said the defeat has not impacted on the team’s spirit.

“The defeat in the opening game was difficult to take because of the circumstances," he told the official Celtic website. "City had been playing since July and were much further ahead than we were coming into the game, but the result hasn’t affected the morale in the team.

“We have to get a balance in training of continuing to build the fitness back up to the highest levels and still work on our tactical approach.

“The priority is on the physical condition now, though. We’re working closely with the fitness coaches and the physios to make sure we’re on the right path. The last two weeks have been better and the team are looking sharper all the time.

“The week without a game has given us more time to correct the mistakes we made in the previous game,” said the Celtic FC Women’s manager. “The negative part of having a week free is we’ve had to wait that little bit longer to make up for the defeat in the opening game.

“I’m anticipating a game where we’re going to be very intense, hungry and showing our style of play. We’ll be trying our very best to get the three points and, hopefully, we’ll do that.

“Hearts are playing at home and will be equally as determined to win so anything can happen if we don’t stay focused throughout. We’ll control the things we can control and we’ll be tactically aware of what we’re doing. It will be important to be intense, composed and good on the ball.”

Fran Alonso: Confidence is high going into Hearts clash