Hearts run the gauntlet - major striker update, Cammy Devlin's 'date in mind' and weather spy

It’s observations like this that might quicken the pulse of Hearts supporters, who will pack the away section at Tannadice in the hope, perhaps even expectation, that they can take another step towards the title. Although they are a difficult side to assess this season, hence their current position outside the top six, Dundee United will be obstinate opponents. Hearts needed a last-minute winner on their last visit way back in August. That was perhaps the first real sign that something special could be brewing for Hearts under Derek McInnes. After two wins in their first two games, they were already four points ahead of Rangers for example.

That same margin exists at the time of writing between these two teams. Perhaps surprisingly, the Ibrox side are Hearts’ nearest challengers. Celtic are a further two points back having failed to make inroads following last Sunday’s controversial and often bad tempered 2-2 draw at Tynecastle.

McInnes revealed that Celtic coach Mark Fotheringham had phoned him to apologise for a rumpus that developed between the two dugouts after the opening goal from Benjamin Nygren. “I was annoyed,” reflected McInnes. “I've been up against loads of different dugouts over the years, and loads of Celtic teams, and I was really annoyed with the reaction.

"It surprised me, and I thought it was out of order, so that was why I was annoyed about it. But in fairness to Mark, he's not a boy I know too well, but I know people that know him. He's a great lad, seemingly. But he phoned me Monday afternoon to apologise. He said there was no offence meant, and if there was, he said he was sorry for that. I think that says a lot about him, so we move on.”

As the season extends towards spring, it’s hard to avoid looking ahead. There are just 15 games left and the next four over the next fortnight - against Dundee United, St Mirren, Hibs and Rangers - represent another critical period for Hearts, who are having their playing staff resources tested to the maximum. Even elimination from the Scottish Cup will not have an especially significant bearing on rest and recuperation opportunities. There might be no game next weekend when others are participating in Scottish Cup fifth round ties but Hearts still face four matches in 15 days. The one advantage is that Rangers and Celtic and even Motherwell have the same league schedule but will play one match more in the cup.

Like many managers, McInnes tends to slice the campaign into mini periods. “When you look at the games in isolation, Dundee United away is a tough game, St Mirren away, and then Hibs at home,” he said. “That’s three brilliant, tough games on merit. We want to try and make sure that, by the time Rangers come around at Ibrox, we are in a strong position.

A striker may not come in

He recalled a meeting before the start of the season when the mission was set to reach a points tally that secured European football as quickly as possible. “And we're not far away from that tally,” he said. However, not even McInnes cab deny Hearts are now bidding to win their first Scottish league title since 1960. These efforts seem likely be restricted to those currently on the books. Despite McInnes having spoken of wanting another striker, the recent addition of forward Rogers Mato, who has finally arrived initially on loan from North Macedonian side FK Vardar, looks like being the last player through the door before the transfer window shuts next week. “It’s going to be difficult,” he admitted. “We’ve hit the post with a couple.”

On the upside, he revealed injured midfielder Cammy Devlin is now out of his moon boot after injuring his ankle against St Mirren. “He is just strengthening that whole area now," he revealed. "His rehab before he gets back to running is really strengthening the calf area, the legs and the ankle. Cammy was upbeat after the conversation and it’s all systems go for him now. He has a game in mind where he wants to get back for.”

In view of successive midweek fixture cards, perhaps the forecast for more heavy rain in the Dundee area might not be the worst thing. The Tannadice pitch is showing the effects of a prolonged period of wet weather though after doubts expressed by Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin among others earlier this week, the match is expected to survive – with television executives particularly keen for this outcome.

“We've not been told there's an inspection or anything like that,” explained McInnes, who added that he was receiving weather updates from goalkeeping coach Paul Gallacher, who lives in Dundee. “The fact the game is on Sky - I think Sky were looking for assurances - so we're not thinking the game's not on, thankfully.”

Gallacher is undoubtedly providing input on more orthodox matters for a goalkeeper coach. McInnes was keeping his cards close to his chest with regards who might play in goal at Tannadice between Craig Gordon, who started last week against Celtic, and Alexander Schwolow.

The manager has been at such pains to explain that Gordon’s greater experience was why the 43-year-old got the nod against Celtic that one wonders whether he has another big decision to make this weekend. “Nothing is set in stone,” he said. “I just view it in training as it goes along. It’s not a case of one having the jersey and they run with it. There was a wee upset to the routine when Alex got sent off (against Dundee) and Craig came in.” Who steps out wearing the gloves at Tannadice is another intriguing aspect of a fascinating fixture.