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Robbie Neilson insists Hearts are better equipped to face Celtic this year after losing twice in cup competitions last season.

Hearts travel to Glasgow on Saturday for the first league encounter between the clubs since the Edinburgh outfit won promotion.

"We're a different side with different players who now have 30 games under their belt," said head coach Neilson.

"We've got new additions that I think have improved us."

Neilson's side avoided their fourth defeat in a row after a late fight-back to beat Kilmarnock in the League Cup on Wednesday, but he is aware of the stern test that awaits them at Celtic Park.

"We are going to go there and [try to] win, but it's a huge challenge for a newly promoted team against the champions who are going for five in a row."

Neilson expects new signing Arnoud Djoum to be involved in the match.

The 26-year-old Belgian midfielder was on the bench for the midweek win at Rugby Park.