Derek McInnes prepared for Hearts title D-day and pinpoints moment Rangers game changed

McInnes was named PFA Scotland manager of the year on Sunday night and then watched his side all but eliminate Rangers from the title equation the following evening after surviving a scare.

The visitors held a deserved at half time through a Dujon Sterling goal. For the third game in succession, Hearts prevailed to take three points after losing the opening goal, with second half strikes from Stephen Kingsley and skipper Lawrence Shankland meaning they head to Fir Park to face Motherwell on Saturday bidding to increase their lead over second placed Celtic to six points.

The Parkhead side face Rangers the next day. If Martin O’Neill’s side slip-up in either of their next two matches, Hearts could be champions next Wednesday night providing they win their next two matches. After the trip to Motherwell, Hearts host Falkirk next midweek.

Belief that a first Scottish title since 1960 is now pending is building at Tynecastle. McInnes admits finishing champions is the only thought on anyone’s mind. “I'm not here to get a pat on the back for a good old Hearts putting up a fight," he said. "It's way beyond that now. We've got to try and go and win it now. "

Hearts now have a club record 76 points after their latest victory. They face Celtic on the last day in what could potentially be a titanic title shootout.

“I'm preparing for that,” he said. “I think we have to think that way. A tough game at Motherwell, then another home game. But I'm prepared that if it goes to the last game, we're fine, we'll deal with it.

"Obviously, next weekend we play before Rangers and Celtic, but it's another pivotal weekend. It’s so exciting for Scottish football, so exciting for our club to be where we are and part of this.

“It's a big week now,” he added. “We've got three games in a week. We've got to dust ourselves down and tomorrow see how we go in terms of how the lads are feeling. I know I've said it before, but hopefully we can get Cammy (Devlin) and Harry (Milne) back for Saturday.

“We're in a good position, but we're only in a good position if we continue to win games.”

McInnes applauded the fans for their contribution and acknowledged the part they played in Hearts’ coming back from a goal down, with Rangers having dominated for the majority of the first half.

“The win is the most important thing,” said McInnes. “It's the third game in a row we've had to come from behind against good teams, which is far from ideal.

“Our second-half performance got us the goals that allowed us to win the game. But you have to say, a nod to the supporters. It was pure theatre at the start. It was just magnificent. It's exactly how we wanted it to be and hoped it would be and they played their part.”

He sensed momentum shifting after Kingsley’s equaliser nine minutes into the second half. “It reminded the players that it's not easy to put 90-minute performances in, but we needed a big 45," he said. "Thankfully, our 45 had far more impact than what Rangers had in the first half.”