Hearts could claim the Scottish Premiership title on Wednesday for the first time since 1960, a scenario that seemed unlikely just weeks ago. A win at home to Falkirk, combined with defeat for Celtic at Motherwell, would see the Edinburgh club crowned champions. Manager Derek McInnes acknowledged the significance but remained focused on the task ahead.
“It’s nice to be able to hear ‘Hearts could win the league at Tynecastle,’” McInnes said. “I don’t know how many people have been able to say that in their lifetime. The likelihood is we are going to have to win two games or certainly pick up four points.” Hearts lead Celtic by a single point with two matches remaining, having already secured Champions League qualification and broken the club’s points record.
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill, whose side have won five consecutive league games, refused to engage in mind games. “We have been fighting every week and still haven’t caught up,” O’Neill said. “Hearts are a really fine team who have stuck at it all season. We face a major task tomorrow night.” Celtic defeated Rangers 3-1 on Sunday, keeping the pressure on Hearts.
McInnes emphasised his belief in his squad, despite facing a strong Motherwell team twice. “People talk about mentality, but the facts show they are coping brilliantly,” he said. “We have an unshakable belief we can do this.” The title race, which has seen Old Firm dominance broken only once since 2012, now rests on the final fixtures, with Hearts needing to hold their nerve.
