Derek McInnes fires title warning as Hearts target Celtic, Rangers 

There is a quiet sense of belief building in the capital, the kind that only comes when results begin to harden into something more meaningful. At Tynecastle, expectation has been replaced by opportunity, and as the run-in sharpens into focus, Hearts find themselves in a position few would have confidently predicted months ago.

Now, with the Scottish Premiership title race entering its decisive phase, Derek McInnes is refusing to shy away from the challenge. His side sit three points clear at the top with seven matches remaining, and the numbers against fellow top-six opposition suggest this is no fleeting surge. Hearts have taken 30 points from a possible 42 in those fixtures, comfortably outstripping both Celtic and Rangers, who have each managed 22 in comparable runs.

The head-to-head record only strengthens the argument. Seven points from nine against the reigning champions and six from nine against Rangers underline a resilience that has defined Hearts’ campaign.

McInnes, however, remains clear-eyed about the scale of the task. He points to the financial disparity and the pedigree in Glasgow, singling out Martin O’Neill for particular praise, while acknowledging Rangers’ heavy investment. Yet, it is his own side’s consistency against elite opposition that fuels his conviction.

“We’re aware that we’re up against two heavyweights,” McInnes said. “We’re up against the best manager of the league, Martin O’Neill, his experience and his know-how and everything that they’ve got under their belt. Rangers have spent a huge amount of money to put that squad together and they’re clearly talented players, so we’re up against that. But I’m confident. We’ve got the best record against any of the top six teams. Our record stands out alone.”

The international break arrives at a useful moment. Lawrence Shankland and Cammy Devlin have both returned from injury, the former making a telling cameo in the narrow win over Dundee. Further reinforcements are close, with several first-team figures edging back towards contention.

Preparations will intensify at the Oriam, before a warm-weather camp in Spain offers a final sharpening of focus. With momentum restored, Hearts travel to face Livingston knowing that, for now at least, the title race remains firmly in their hands.