Hearts boss Derek McInnes has told critics to stop questioning his side’s bottle, insisting that anyone doubting their mental toughness hasn’t been watching the Premiership this season.
The Jambos sit three points clear at the top with just three games to go. Following a massive win over Rangers that effectively ended the Ibrox side’s title hopes, McInnes says his squad is exactly where they need to be.
“Anybody who actually questions the mentality now hasn’t been watching us,” McInnes stated. “You don’t get to 76 points with three games to go at a club like Hearts if you’ve not got a good mentality. There is an insistence on winning here, and the players have delivered.”
McInnes pointed to a dominant season as proof of their steel:
- Five wins against the Old Firm this term.
- Three derby wins over Hibs.
- An unbeaten home record at Tynecastle.
The Final Push
Hearts could theoretically wrap up their first league title since 1960 as early as Wednesday night against Falkirk. However, the immediate focus is a Saturday night trip to Motherwell.
Despite being named PFA Scotland Manager of the Year on Sunday, McInnes isn’t interested in personal accolades or points permutations. “The message to the players is just concentrate on trying to win against Motherwell,” he added. “We can’t get obsessed with all the different connotations.”
If the race goes the distance, a winner-takes-all showdown at Celtic Park on the final day awaits.
Co-Founder of Fitba Focus and MMA UK. A lifelong Rangers fan and former player, he combines over a decade of sports media experience with a deep-seated passion for the Scottish game. From the Ibrox stands to the lower-league terraces, Frankie is dedicated to providing honest, fan-led analysis of the full Scottish pyramid.
