Tom Boyd believes Celtic’s defeat at Tynecastle could have galvanised the Parkhead side as they lost their unbeaten domestic record earlier this month.

Brendan Rodgers’ side have since won all three games since the sobering afternoon in the capital, keeping a clean sheet in every one.

And former Celtic captain Boyd thinks the experience provided the chance to refocus.

Read more: Davie Hay: Look at Virgil van Dijk - Celtic should not accept anything less than £30m for Moussa Dembele

“Celtic have proven themselves again totally since the Hearts game,” said Boyd.

“They have come back in three matches against Partick Thistle, Aberdeen and Dundee and look as though they have re-energised themselves.

“The level of performance against Aberdeen was good and the same against Dundee on Boxing Day, in the first-half especially.

“They denied any opportunities and created plenty for themselves.

“To me, the team have kicked on again to the sort of levels the manager wants and it might even be that the defeat from Hearts has turned out a good thing.

“It was a sore one to take at Tynecastle because that was a level of performance which I had never seen from a Brendan Rodgers team since he arrived at the club.

‘But, from adversity, you can sometimes find things out.

Read more: Celtic captain Scott Brown ready to sign off in style against Rangers​

“Celtic haven’t lost a goal since that day and have scored seven and perhaps maybe could have scored quite a few more.”

Meanwhile, Boyd would also have no qualms about throwing Norwegian kid Kristoffer Ajer into the fray for his first experience of a game against Rangers.

The 19-year-old has impressed in his last two outings with Rodgers enthusiastic about the displays turned in by the Norwegian under-21 internationalist.

“First and foremost when someone goes into that position, you want them to be a defender,” said Boyd.

“Kris is doing that. He has defended well in the past three matches.

“But there is then one asset which he does have which comes from being converted from a midfield player.

“He can step out with the ball at the right times and you can see the breaks that he makes out of the backline and into advanced positions which causes so many problems for opponents.

Read more: Ten years on, but memory of Phil O'Donnell is being kept alive at Motherwell

“Who goes to him? Who picks him up?

“That’s a great asset to have, but, as I said, the job entails that you have to do things properly first and foremost in defending and Kris is doing that at the moment.

“So, on that basis, I can’t see any reason why he could not stay in the side for the Rangers game.

“One thing I’m almost sure about is that the manager would have no qualms about putting him in there if he feels that’s the right move.”

Moussa Dembele’s future has been one of the foremost talking points over the last week but Boyd would be willing to play him against Rangers, regardless of whether he is at the club after the window or not.

Leigh Griffiths netted against Dundee on Boxing Day and was pointed with his celebrations but it remains to be seen just who is given the nod for tomorrow afternoon.

“It’s a lovely decision to have,” said Boyd.

Read more: Davie Hay: Intensity of Celtic v Rangers will never change

“Many things are being mentioned, but Moussa has not left this club yet and you would hope that he might still be here at the end of the transfer window.

“That would be fantastic for Celtic, but we are going to have to wait and see how that develops.

“As for Saturday, though, he will still be there, so there is no reason why he couldn't play at his very best as he’s shown in the past he can do well against Rangers.

“Leigh scored in the last game, so it’s a tough choice and a good choice to have.

“I wouldn’t be sure what to do. That’s why I’ll leave that one to the manager.”