Hearts manager Derek McInnes has insisted he has an 'unshakable belief' his team can win the Scottish Premiership title for the first time since 1960. The Edinburgh club could be crowned champions on Wednesday if they beat Falkirk at Tynecastle and Celtic lose at Motherwell.
Hearts currently lead Celtic by a single point with two games remaining. Celtic have won five consecutive league titles and have not been denied the flag since 2012, when Rangers won the title. McInnes acknowledged the challenge but pointed to his side's resilience. 'People talk about mentality and how the players cope, the facts show they are coping brilliantly,' he said.
The manager highlighted that Hearts have already broken a club record for points tally and secured Champions League qualification. 'We have managed to see off Rangers and now we have to try to see off Celtic,' McInnes added. 'Our first port of call is to try to see off Falkirk.'
Celtic interim manager Martin O'Neill, 74, acknowledged Hearts' strength. 'Hearts are a really fine team who have stuck at it all season long,' he said. O'Neill's side beat Rangers 3-1 on Sunday to keep the pressure on Hearts. 'If we win the two games, we win it,' O'Neill stated.
The title race has captured attention as Hearts aim to become the first team outside the Old Firm to win the league since Aberdeen in 1985. McInnes urged his players to enjoy the opportunity. 'This isn't a semi-final ahead of a final; this is a final for us,' he said.
