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As Hearts lead 2-0, Stephen Kingsley was left perspiring inside the Parkhead locker room after he left the game hurt.

In their home backyard, the defender’s wonder goal proved to be the second goal of the afternoon, as his Jambos comfortably led Celtic. The left-back was hurt, though, and had to remain indoors for treatment during the intermission. Because of this, he was forced to gauge the game by the atmosphere he could hear, but the Scotland captain was happy that his teammates played fierce defense to maintain their two-goal lead and secure a crucial three points.

Although the severity of Kingsley’s injury is thought to be minor, the 29-year-old believes that keeping him out while Toby Sibbick handled the business was the appropriate decision.

“I was within. I was receiving some physiotherapy beforehand because I get really anxious when I watch games, so I was just listening in,” Kingsley remarked.

“Although I was anxious, hearing that made me feel like we were powerful. Although you’re never comfortable at Celtic Park, I thought our shape was unwavering. I had a peaceful confidence that we would definitely be able to work things out. With just thirty seconds remaining, I stepped outside to join in the festivities.

“I thought I would be able to handle it, but things really deteriorated at halftime, and I couldn’t have been falling behind. Everyone needed to be on the defense right away.

“Toby played beautifully in the second half, and I was devastated not to be able to watch. It’s in my adductor region of my groin. To tell the truth, I have no idea what it is. However, I don’t think it’s terrible. Making the sensible decision to leave at halftime.”

Kingsley acknowledged he is always confident when he steps up with a set-piece, but he was relieved to startle the home crowd by breaking his own duck with a free kick.

“To be honest, I always feel like I’ve got a chance with free-kicks,” he stated. With my current technique, I feel at ease. I had a number of close calls with them early in the season, but sometimes you just need a little bit of luck to see them through. I’ve done it so much that I have the technique and am always upbeat and confident. I’m relieved to be free of the monkey on my back because this is the first one in a long time.

“I felt relieved. Not so much the actual free-kick. Being a lefty, I couldn’t have positioned it more accurately when I walked up to it. However, I believe you can see the relief if you watch the celebration again. My previous objective was quite some time ago, and I would like to assist others achieve their ambitions. Although I am aware of my primary responsibility as a defender, I believe that I haven’t done enough to assist in the future. I was glad to assist the team.