Hearts take little notice of Celtic and Rangers as new run comes into view

The Jambos’ surge to the summit has been underpinned by a six-match run of victories in autumn and another three-game burst in December. Hearts kick off 2026 three points clear and have a chance to potentially increase their lead on Saturday when they host bottom side Livingston immediately after their two nearest challengers, Celtic and Rangers, meet in the Old Firm derby.

“We just look on us,” said German goalkeeper Schwolow. “We have to be sure (assume) that other teams are going to win their games. We just have to focus that we win our game. We couldn’t win the last game (a 3-2 defeat by Hibernian), which is not good, especially because it was a derby.

“We wanted to win so badly, but we have the next chance on Saturday, and that’s all we focus on. How we got the winning streak in September, October – that’s what we need. We need those winning streaks. Hopefully we have a better day and we can beat Livingston on Saturday at home.”

Many predicted that Hearts would fall away after a slight dip in form in November, but they responded strongly to reassert themselves at the top. Schwolow does not see any reason to suspect that last weekend’s defeat at Hibs – only their second of the season – will derail them.

“Most of the guys don’t look at the bigger picture,” he said. “I don’t see a reason why the performances should drop because of one loss. We just have to clear our heads from the derby game and set ourselves up for a battle on Saturday. That’s how football works. It’s good that you have a game every seven days and then you have the next chance.”

Schwolow, 33, has wasted no time in establishing himself as Hearts’ number one ahead of Scotland pair Craig Gordon and Zander Clark. The German has already played more games for the Jambos since his arrival at the end of August than he managed in his previous two seasons combined at Union Berlin. Schwolow admits his move to Edinburgh has exceeded expectations on all levels.

“You could not expect us to be where we are right now and win how many games we’ve won,” he said. “We just want to continue on the way we have so far and keep enjoying it.

“I’m enjoying it so far. The first four months have been great, especially after the last two years where I didn’t play so much. I hope we can just continue the path we’re going on right now. In the locker room, I enjoy coming to work every day, and that’s how it should be.”