JOHAN Mjallby says success in Celtic's festive fixtures can soften the the disappointment at the decisive end to this year's Champions League adventure.

Having beaten Hibs in the first match since the 6-1 defeat to Barcelona, Neil Lennon's men face four games in 12 days.

Celtic's assistant manager says positive results and extending their unbeaten 16-game league record will drive the players on for the packed schedule.

He said: "We have this unbeaten record and we have something to motivate the players with. And that's how it's going to be now, making sure the players are fully focused.

"Lately the displays have been very good and hopefully we can keep that up.

"We have players that we know can hurt other teams, and we have been waiting for a long time this season to see it happening, but lately it's been great, with free-flowing football."

Celtic have found scoring easier away this season, but Mjallby admitted the Scottish champions have found it tougher when visiting teams play defensive.

He told Celtic TV: "It's up to us to break them down and create more chances, but at the same time we were happy to get three points against Hibs for confidence.

"If things aren't really going for us, the main thing is that we try to get the three points and in that…we have been much better this season," he said.

The opponents at Celtic Park in Saturday's early kick-off (12:15pm) are Hearts, and having handed them a drubbing at the start of the month, Mjallby will not tolerate complacency.

"The main thing is not for us to go in and think it's going to be 7-0 all over again," he said.