Martin O'Neill stood to his word by naming midfielder Neil Lennon in the starting line-up at Parkhead today just days after he was attacked in the west end of Glasgow.
The Northern Irishman, who was forced to retire from international football after receiving death threats, was shaken by the ordeal hours after the 4-0 win at Motherwell.
But O'Neill had no qualms in picking Lennon as he made three changes from Wednesday night when they moved back to the top of the Bank of Scotland Premier League for the first time since December.
He welcomed Chris Sutton, Johan Mjallby and Joos Valgaeren back from injury as the casualty list looked to be clearing in time for the UEFA Cup final with Porto on May 21.
Their return meant that Jackie McNamara, Ulrik Laursen and Shaun Maloney were the unfortunate trio to make way despite their impressive recent form.
Celtic were also on a revenge mission this afternoon after Hearts beat them at Tynecastle on April 19th which many thought spelt the end of their championship bid.
Austin McCann and Andy Webster were missing after being sent off in the defeat at Kilmarnock last week as Craig Levein was forced to make two changes.
In came Steven Boyack and Robbie Neilsen as the third-placed Edinburgh men looked to get their UEFA Cup hopes back on track following last Saturday's hiccup.