Heart of Midlothian head coach Derek McInnes has told his players to embrace the mounting pressure of the Scottish Premiership title race, insisting they must “relish the opportunity” to bring the trophy to Gorgie.
Despite a narrow defeat to Rangers at Ibrox last Sunday, the Jambos remain two points clear at the summit. However, with Danny Rohl’s side breathing down their necks and Celtic just a point further back with a game in hand, the margin for error has vanished as the season enters its final 11 matches.
“Better to be at the Top”
Addressing the tension surrounding the surprise package of the season, McInnes was adamant that his squad should enjoy their current standing. “I’d rather have the pressure where we are than the teams at the bottom,” he noted. “Our players are deserving of so much praise and support at this stage. It’s my job to keep them on track and fully motivated.”
The fixture list offers a significant boost for the league leaders. Hearts are set to play four of their next six matches at Tynecastle—a stadium where they remain unbeaten in league action this season.
Falkirk Challenge and Team News
The immediate hurdle is a home clash against sixth-placed Falkirk. While Hearts boast a formidable home record, they will be wary of a Bairns side that knocked them out of the Scottish Cup on penalties at Tynecastle just last month.
McInnes has challenged his squad to find another gear for the run-in: “We just need to try and up the ante a wee bit if we can and get a better performance. These games give us opportunities, particularly the games at Tynecastle.”
In terms of team news, Hearts will be without Oisin McEntee for the Falkirk match due to a shoulder injury sustained at Ibrox. However, the defender is expected to return for the following week’s visit of Aberdeen.
🗣️ TITLE TALK: CAN THE JAMBOS HOLD THEIR NERVE?
The race for the Premiership is the tightest in years. We want to hear from the Maroon Army:
- With 4 of the next 6 games at home, how many points do Hearts need to stay top?
- Who has been your Player of the Season so far in this historic run?
Cast your vote and join the debate in the comments! 👇
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.
