Heart of Midlothian

Greg Playfair
Fan writer

Believe. The word that now defines Hearts' bid to win the Scottish Premiership.

I have changed my mind more times than I care to admit over whether this team can actually do it. But with the finishing line in sight, the equation is simple: Hearts are four points away from immortality.

Only Martin O'Neill and his Celtic side can now prevent what once felt like a pipe dream from becoming history.

I have no doubt this squad is strong enough to finish the job, both in terms of quality on the pitch and resilience off it. Their character has been questioned all season, but in recent weeks they have looked every inch a side capable of handling the pressure.

Hearts have already come through a season shaped by upheaval elsewhere, facing five different Old Firm managers, and there may yet be more change to come. That, however, is for another day. For now, everything rests on the next five days.

If I could turn back time, I would have put £20 on Hearts to win the league the moment Tony Bloom made his comments on the eve of the Aberdeen game.

Bloom was mocked in some quarters when he suggested Hearts would win the league at least once in the next decade and close the gap on Celtic this season.

He may yet be proved absolutely right.

What I do not accept is the lazy argument Hearts are top only because Celtic and Rangers have underperformed. It is an unfair reading of the season and diminishes what Hearts have earned.

Hearts are in pole position because they have taken nine points from 12 against Rangers and seven from nine against Celtic. Title challenges are built on results like that.

Those results have rattled two clubs long regarded as untouchable forces. Now we must show the nerve to land the decisive blow.

There should be no expectation Falkirk will simply roll over. They will want to finish strongly and many of their players will see Wednesday night as a chance to impress on a high-profile global stage.

Hearts could lift the title as early as Wednesday night, provided they take care of business in Gorgie and Motherwell beat Celtic.

My expectation, however, is Celtic - still buoyed by their victory over Rangers - will beat Motherwell comfortably.

That would leave a winner-takes-all showdown at Parkhead on Saturday and I would back Hearts to come through that occasion intact.

So yes, I believe. And if you are of a maroon persuasion, you probably should too.

Rangers legend Kris Boyd has predicted Celtic will win the league ahead of Hearts, but only if Martin O'Neill's side beat Motherwell on Wednesday. (Scottish Sun), external

Read the rest of Tuesday's Scottish gossip.

Hearts and Motherwell both felt they should have had penalties in Saturday's 1-1 Premiership draw.

The one that has drawn most attention was when referee Steven McLean was sent to the pitchside monitor to review a challenge by Motherwell's Tawanda Maswanhise on Hearts winger Claudio Braga.

McLean decided there was not enough evidence to overturn his original decision of no foul and play continued.

"It's clear as day," Scott Allan said on Sportscene.

"It's a stamp down from Maswanhise and it's a penalty all day.

"I'm really struggling to see how he's come to that decision. It could have an outcome on the title."

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Hearts' Claudio Braga could win an awards double after he was shortlisted for the Scottish Football Writers' Association player of the year award.

The Portuguese forward is nominated alongside teammate Lawrence Shankland and Motherwell duo Elijah Just and Tawanda Maswanhise.

The manager of the year award could also go to Tynecastle or Fir Park, with Derek McInnes and Jens Berthel Askou both nominated.

Falkirk boss John McGlynn and Celtic interim manager Martin O'Neill are also on the shortlist.

Four Scottish players are in the running for young player of the year - Falkirk striker Barney Stewart, Kilmarnock's on-loan Rangers winger Findlay Curtis, Dundee defender Luke Graham and Dunfermline's Andrew Tod.

The winners will be announced on Sunday, 17 May.

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

Kieran O'Hara - Dundee

A clean sheet and a penalty save as Dundee safeguarded their Premiership status.

Findlay Curtis - Kilmarnock

A star showing from Curtis with two huge goals over fellow relegation rivals St Mirren.

Stephen O'Donnell - Motherwell

What a block to deny Lawrence Shankland. Gave everything for the Motherwell cause.

Kieran Tierney - Celtic

There feels like there is so much more impetus about Celtic ever since the international break. Seasoned campaigners like Tierney have really come to the fore as Celtic make their final charge to defend their title. An assist for Maeda's first goal.

Jordan Obita - Hibernian

On the scoresheet in what was a big away win at the Falkirk Stadium.

Josh Campbell - Hibernian

Two well taken goals on the way to a big result which keeps alive Hibs hopes of catching Motherwell.

Callum McGregor - Celtic

A captain's performance as the Celtic leader marshalled his teammates to great effect throughout a potentially pivotal Old Firm victory.

Cam Congreve - Dundee

Another goal for the consistently excellent Welsh international on loan from Swansea.

Toyosi Olusanya - Aberdeen

Finally, his first goal for Aberdeen. Big moment for the former St Mirren man.

Lawrence Shankland - Hearts

Denied by O'Donnell, but you don't keep the Hearts captain down for long. When the next chance came along there was never any doubt Shankland would find the net. Could be a huge goal.

Daizen Maeda - Celtic

In a decidedly mixed season, Maeda was outstanding in the Old Firm derby. Time seemed to stand still as his stupendous overhead kick looped into the net behind Jack Butland. Maeda never stood still throughout this match, his energy levels saw him chase down Rangers players throughout. Two goals on the day and six goals in four games. Coming to the boil at just the right time.

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Hearts are planning to hold talks with Birmingham City over a permanent move for on-loan midfielder Marc Leonard as they aim to beat Celtic to a deal for the 24-year-old. (Football Insider), external

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Hearts fans, we asked for your views on the 1-1 draw with Motherwell at Fir Park. Here's a taste of what you had to say...

Aran: Absolutely shocking that the clear foul on Alexandros Kyziridis wasn't given as a penalty, one of the worst takes I've seen all season. Rest of the game was alright but refereeing quality was rubbish.

Dougie: Blatant penalty. Referee Steven McLean was the only person in stadium who thought otherwise. Shocking decision, just hope it's not a title-deciding one. Draw just about right, but Hearts looked like it was theirs in the last 20 minutes.

Chris: Easy to be bitter - we have been denied two clear penalties and the utter ineptness from the referee, who is looking for reasons not to give the penalty rather than approaching it objectively, is massive.

Other than that, our build-up play was slow at times, and another two season-ending injuries. Fighting against everything just now. Two to go.

Bob: Can't let one controversial refereeing decision define our season. Hearts must keep fighting it out at the top of the Premiership. After all, we've earned the respect of football fans worldwide.

Peter: Feel gutted for Craig Halkett, terrible injury at a crucial time in his career. As for the result, we needed not to lose and did all we could to win, but Motherwell are such a well-organised and quick outfit who coped well with our second half onslaught.

It was a penalty against Kyziridis, but it would have been of the soft variety. Derek McInnes needs to find a way to get us a good win over Falkirk and my gut feel is that he will.

Alfo: After the Rangers and Motherwell challenges, we've banked four points from six - despite being denied a stonewaller of a penalty - and that's something Celtic still have to better with both their games against the same two teams coming up.

I'd rather be in our position than theirs. Hearts' passion, commitment and skill continues to make those of us of a maroon persuasion incredibly proud of their achievements. A final push to get us over the line and it'll be the finest in the club's 152-year history, full stop.

Ken: Huge job for Derek McInnes to get a midfield together for Wednesday. We need to really go at Falkirk as it may come down to goal difference. Celtic will win today but their game against Motherwell is pivotal. We will all be looking out for dodgy penalty decisions.

Leaders Hearts nudged four points clear of Celtic in the Scottish Premiership title race by drawing at Motherwell - but missed an opportunity to put maximum pressure on the defending champions before Sunday's Old Firm derby.

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Hearts head coach Derek McInnes: "I thought Motherwell started sharp and you see why we go with the extra midfielder there.

"They are a team that test your organisation, they are bright and particularly here at Fir Park, where their record has been magnificent and they deserve all the plaudits they get.

"In saying that, I don't think they had many opportunities. They get their goal and we are disappointed as we should defend it better.

"We responded well and I thought we were the better team and Lawrence [Shankland] got his goal.

"The biggest thing about my team is their desire to win. Despite obvious injuries and setbacks, we are patched goether, we come though with plenty of credit. I think you can see why my team are top of the league."

On the penalty incident: "At the time I thought it was a penalty, [the VAR] has done his job well. The referee had a poor game tonight.

"The biggest decision of the lot he got wrong. There doesn't need to be a lot of contact. Why would he go down? It's a penalty kick. It's a poor decision.

"I'm delighted with the effort of the players against a really good team."

Blair Spittal, 30, is pushing for a Hearts start against former club Motherwell after recent impressive performances off the bench. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription required), external

Saturday's Scottish gossip

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Motherwell full-back Johnny Koutroumbis is pushing for a comeback while Eythor Bjorgolfsson and Zach Robinson remain out.

Hearts boss Derek McInnes hopes Harry Milne (calf) and Cammy Devlin (muscle) can return after injury, but Oisin McEntee, Calem Nieuwenhof (both hamstring), Tomas Magnusson, Ageu (both thigh) and Craig Gordon (shoulder) remain out.

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Motherwell midfielder Andy Halliday has announced he will retire at the end of this season.

The 34-year-old has made just two Premiership appearances this season - both as a substitute - following five matches in the Scottish League Cup.

He started his senior career with Livingston, before permanent spells with Middlesbrough, Bradford City, Rangers and Hearts, before signing for Motherwell in 2024. He has also played on loan for Walsall, Blackpool and Azerbaijani side Gabala in an 18-year playing career.

Halliday won the Scottish Championship twice - with Rangers in 2016 and with Hearts in 2021.

"I feel that time is right for me to step away from the playing side of the sport I adore," Halliday said in a statement on the Motherwell website.

"There have been some ups and downs along the way, but when I look back on my career, I have zero regrets. So many players may not get to experience some of the things I've managed over the years, and for that, I'm grateful.

"Being a footballer isn't easy. It's required a lot of sacrifice over the years, which is all part of what I signed up for, but for my loved ones, I owe them my deepest thank you. I simply wouldn't have been able to get to where I got to without them. Their support has been incredible on this journey, and I don't know what I would have done without them all.

"I want to thank my teammates and staff at Livingston, Middlesbrough, Walsall, Blackpool, Bradford City, Rangers, Hearts and Motherwell for being a part of my journey. I've met some friends for life through this sport, and at every club I hold the fondest of memories that will stick with me. Thank you.

"Despite this announcement and my appreciation for all the kind messages I've received recently, I don't want any distractions for the boys as they look to finish this incredible season on a high. We're all desperate to close out as strongly as possible and gather as many points as we can, starting tomorrow against Hearts. Thank you to the Motherwell fans for their support all season long, and let's get stuck into these last three games."

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Hearts defender Craig Halkett has revealed how the imminent arrival of his first child is helping to distract him from the prospect of Scottish Premiership glory.

The centre-back has scored six goals in 34 appearances for Derek McInnes' side this season, playing a crucial role as they top the league table by three points from Celtic with three matches to play.

However, Halkett's home life is keeping him grounded amid what would be one of Scottish football's greatest triumphs.

"I'm actually expecting a baby in four or five weeks' time so that's been a good distraction for me," he said.

"I've got my girlfriend and two dogs back at home so as soon as I go home, it's quite easy to switch off.

"I think it's important that you've still got it in the back of your mind and you're not just going home and doing what you want. Obviously, with life as a footballer, you're 100% all-in on your work.

"You don't switch off completely, but to go home with a great family, it's quite easy for me to switch off.

"Obviously, football is going really well at the moment and life at home is going really well, so it could be a special summer."

The 30-year-old insists the pressure has not ramped up with just three matches - against Motherwell, Falkirk and Celtic - to go.

Wins in the first two, paired with Celtic dropping points against Rangers on Sunday, would make Hearts top-flight champions for the first time since 1960.

"From my personal point of view, the pressure is still the same as it's been all season," Halkett said.

"It's hard to ignore the position we're in, but everyone's got their feet on the ground. Everyone knows how difficult it's going to be and how far away it can still be, so the full focus is just on Saturday.

"I think we're all just buzzing. The confidence is really high in the changing room.

"We don't have any past experiences, good or bad, of being in this position, so everything's new and we're all just going with it. We're all in good spirits."

Halkett was asked about hopes of making the Scotland squad after such an impressive season, but says he is only focusing on his club form.

"It's not something that's at the front of my mind, if I'm being honest," he said of the national team. "My full focus this season has been on Hearts and myself and playing as many games as I could.

"If that put me in a position to be called up, then great. If it didn't, I wasn't going to be too disappointed about it. It's been a tough couple of years for me so coming back and playing as many games for Hearts as I could was my main focus. Thankfully I'm doing that."

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Hearts fans won't want to give the suggestion of Derek McInnes leaving the club any credence, but with more success comes more attention.

Should Hearts go on to win this season's title, becoming the first non-Old Firm side to do so in 41 years, the eyes of the world will be on Tynecastle for the celebrations, and the eyes of the footballing world will focus on the man who masterminded their triumph.

Former Hearts manager Robbie Neilson doesn't expect McInnes to be anywhere else come the start of next season, but knows a "crazy offer" could change anything.

"I'd be surprised if he's not there next season," Neilson said on BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"I think obviously the season they've had this year has been amazing, European football next year as well, potential Champions League.

"Reinvestment again by Tony Bloom, who's saying the team will be stronger next year.

"Unless it's a crazy offer, which I don't think will come, you know, we're talking about Premiership clubs in England, maybe big teams abroad, I think that's probably the only level Derek's going to jump from.

"I think there will be interest."

McInnes was appointed Hearts head coach in May 2025, leaving Kilmarnock after winning the Scottish Championship and then guiding them to European football.

Neilson reckons the only job that could be the right move for McInnes would be to follow in the footsteps of another ex-Killie boss by taking over the national side, but it may come around too soon.

"I think the Scotland one is a very interesting one, depending on what happens with Steve [Clarke]," Neilson added.

"It looks more and more likely that he's going to be leaving after the World Cup campaign.

"For me, Derek would be the number one choice by an absolute country mile.

"The decision is whether Derek wants that job or not, and if he were still at Kilmarnock at this point, I would say that's the guy.

"But now he's at Hearts, a potential championship-winning team, European football I just don't think the timing's right for Derek."

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• Both of Motherwell's past two home league games against Hearts have finished 0-0, despite a combined 35 shots (15 Motherwell, 20 Hearts) and 2.38 xG (0.85 Motherwell, 1.53 Hearts).

• Hearts are unbeaten in six league meetings with Motherwell (W3 D3) since losing 3-1 in August 2024.

• Motherwell have won just one of their past seven league games (D1 L5). Since the start of March they have picked up the fewest points of any Scottish Premiership side (four).

• Hearts have won their past three Premiership games, despite falling 1-0 behind each time – including a 3-1 win over Motherwell in April. The last side to win four successive games in the competition despite trailing in each were Kilmarnock in September/October 2018.

• Lawrence Shankland, who has scored in six of his past nine league starts, has won 73% of his appearances in the competition this season – the highest rate of any player to play 25+ games. By contrast, Hearts have just four wins in nine league games without the forward this campaign (44%).