Hearts manager Derek McInnes has emphatically dismissed suggestions that Celtic should be ruled out of the Scottish Premiership title race. The defending champions have faced significant criticism following a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Dundee United before the international break, their eighth league loss this season, leaving them third in the table, five points behind Hearts and two behind city rivals Rangers.
McInnes Backs Celtic's Credentials
When questioned about whether he still views Celtic as a genuine threat to Hearts' ambitions of securing a first league title since 1960, McInnes responded unequivocally. 'One hundred per cent. You wouldn't discount a Martin O'Neill Celtic team at any juncture,' he stated. 'They're a good side, they've got good players and they've been over the course. I think they've got a fantastic manager.'
McInnes acknowledged that the loss at Tannadice was a blow for Celtic but stressed the unpredictability of the remaining fixtures. 'It was obviously a blow for them, but there's still a lot of football to be played and I think anybody ruling Celtic out would be foolish,' he added, highlighting the potential for further twists in the title chase.
Hearts' Remarkable Campaign
Hearts are now potentially just seven games away from achieving one of the most extraordinary success stories in Scottish football history, aiming to break a 40-season streak of Old Firm dominance in the top flight. McInnes expressed pride in his team's performance, arguing that no other European side is currently defying expectations to the same extent.
'Listen, there's three teams in the league who have overachieved this season, I think: Falkirk, Motherwell and ourselves,' said McInnes. 'You couldn't say that about everybody, but I think us three are probably ahead of where we thought we could have been this season.'
He emphasised the unique position of Hearts, given the financial disparities with Celtic and Rangers. 'I think when you look across Europe, across the world, for a team to have the disparity in wages and spending power as against the other two, it's so unusual,' McInnes noted. 'We're probably the only team that could be top of the league for so long and certainly top of the league with so few games to go.'
McInnes pointed out that other clubs with greater resources and expectations have not matched Hearts' achievements. 'There's teams who have spent a lot more, with a lot more expectation on them in our league who should be at the top of the league, but they're not,' he said. 'We're there, we're enjoying it and we just need to try and keep maintaining our good work for the rest of the campaign.'
Injury Updates Ahead of Livingston Clash
Following the international break, Hearts' title bid resumes with an away match against bottom-placed Livingston on Sunday. The league leaders will see some reinforcements, with Stephen Kingsley and Craig Halkett expected to return from injury, and Stuart Findlay possibly available. However, the squad faces setbacks, as Harry Milne is likely to be sidelined until the split due to a calf issue.
Additionally, Tomas Magnusson, who was set to return from a broken cheekbone, has suffered a fresh injury that could keep him out for several weeks. 'Magnusson had a mask fitted and was training absolutely fine, but he's picked up a thigh strain now, doing some shooting on Wednesday,' McInnes explained. 'He'll miss the game and we'll get a wee bit further investigation on him to see how he is.'
As the season reaches its climax, Hearts remain focused on maintaining their lead, while McInnes continues to respect the threat posed by Celtic, ensuring the title race stays fiercely competitive until the final whistle.
