Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers knew Tony Bloom well enough that he did not raise an eyebrow when the Hearts investor made his bold predictions at the start of the season.

The Brighton owner claimed he would be disappointed if Hearts had not won the title inside 10 years after buying a 29 per cent non-voting stake in the club for almost £10million in the summer.

The former poker champion and sports betting expert also declared that Hearts had a “very good chance of at least being second this season”.

The William Hill Premiership is only about one-fifth of the way into the season, but Bloom has so far been vindicated in his ambition.

Hearts have won seven out of eight Premiership games and will go eight points clear if they beat Celtic at Tynecastle on Sunday.

Having witnessed how Bloom

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