Source: Team_Talk
Hoops have all bases covered
Defenders Gary Caldwell and Darren O'Dea were on target on Wednesday night as Celtic maintained their three-point lead in the SPL with a 4-0 victory over Falkirk.
Gordon Strachan's side have now scored 15 times in three home games to move four ahead of Rangers on goal difference.
Eight different players have been on target in those games - while two who have not scored, Scott McDonald and Lee Naylor, have hit crucial goals on the road.
Hinkel is encouraged by the way the goalscoring duties have been shared out.
"I think in the last three home games we have had a very good team performance," said the former Stuttgart and Sevilla player.
"All the players have been very focused. We have shown that we are ready for the title race."
But the German added: "There is still a long way to go, seven games, and I think it will be very tight until the end of the season.
"This was a very important win, but nothing more and nothing less."
The goals are even rolling in for a man recently lambasted for his return this season, Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink.
The Holland striker has doubled his tally this week with goals against Hamilton and Falkirk, after a barren spell of more than six months.
"It's good for him, because he's a striker," said Hinkel.
"I hope it gives him confidence back.
"He can be a very important part for the rest of the season."
Celtic's strength in depth will be further tested following yesterday's game, after Georgios Samaras suffered a thigh strain that will rule him out of Saturday's visit to Hearts.
Midfielder Scott Brown triggered a two-match ban that is likely to rule him out of the final Old Firm match of the season.
Falkirk manager John Hughes was also counting the cost of the game as the bottom club prepare for a crucial trip to Kilmarnock on Saturday.
Steven Pressley and Thomas Scobbie both limped off - which in turn forced veterans Lee Bullen, Jackie McNamara and Neil McCann to play longer than anticipated.
"There is a wee bit of concern about the game in terms of the older ones in the team," Hughes reported.
"We were going to leave them out and rest them for Saturday, but if I had done that I would have got hammered. You're in a no-win situation.
"But we sat down and said 'from now until the end of the season, it's all hands to the pump, no matter what'.
"The games are coming thick and fast, so we need to get our best 11 out there.
"It backfired on us a wee bit with 'Elvis' just tweaking his groin. Scobbie took a sore one to the foot.
"We had to make our two substitutions early, so I felt for Jackie and Neily. They have had to bat on there, but we just have to get on with it."
Pressley and Scobbie are doubtful for the Rugby Park clash, but Hughes remains optimistic.
He said: "You're talking about two tough guys, so that alone gives them a chance to play on Saturday."
Falkirk are three points adrift in a tight relegation battle. But Hughes retains belief in his side, who have a Homecoming Scottish Cup semi-final against Dunfermline as respite later this month.
"I'm confident I've got the characters in the dressing room to stay in the SPL," said the former Celtic defender.
"The couple of results against Inverness gave us a lift; getting to the semi-final gave us a lift.
"Everyone wants to play in that semi-final, so they are really spirited in the way they are going about their business."
Celtic 8/11, Draw 13/5, Hearts 4/1
