Youssef Chermiti scored an incredible hat-trick as Rangers beat Hearts for the first time this season to move to within two points of the Scottish Premiership leaders in a rousing contest at Ibrox.
Image source, SNSHearts manager Derek McInnes: "Obviously disappointed because we came here to get a positive result. Regardless of how the game plays out, we still feel there's so much optimism for the season ahead.
"We showed good courage in the game. Our biggest downfall was losing three goals out the four when we had possession of the ball in their half.
"When we were set and in our shape, Rangers didn't cause us too many problems. Where we were susceptible and looked like losing goals was exactly when we had good possession of the ball and we had too many bodies forward.
"The crowd helped the Rangers team. The longer we stay in front then that becomes more difficult and challenging for the Rangers player. We didn't allow that. We allowed the crowd to get behind the team.
"Rangers have spent £40m-50m in two windows trying to put this squad together so there's no shame for us losing this game, there's just disappointment that we put so much into it.
"Credit to Rangers, they've won a big game. I still think there's a big fight ahead of us for us all. We're not too despondent because I see enough courage, I see enough in the performance and I still feel with the fixtures we've got between now and the split, particularly so many at home, that we can win games that can keep the whole thing moving along for us.
"These lads give everything for the shirt. We're not going to go along away quietly. We're top of the league. It takes a lot of good things for a team to be here where we are in the league and hopefully there's a bit more in it. I do think there'll be a lot of twists and turns yet. We've just got to manage our performances now and try and make some hay."
Birminghan City midfielder Marc Leonard says that fighting for the league title with Hearts was one of the main things that attracted him to moving on loan to Tynecastle in the January transfer window. (Edinburgh Evening News), external
Read Sunday's Scottish Gossip in full.
Image source, SNSCraig Halkett insists the Hearts squad remain completely unfazed despite the huge increased focus on the club this season.
Derek McInnes' side are five points above second-placed Rangers and six clear of Celtic before a high-stakes trip to Ibrox on Sunday.
"I don't think the boys would say that they constantly sit on social media or news outlets and read what's being said about them," said defender Halkett.
"I've watched Scottish football all my life and in my lifetime, certainly it's unusual for Hearts to be in this position at this time of the year.
"I think the fact that the majority of the boys in the changing room haven't been in this position before is a good thing.
"We don't have any past experience to fall back on or any worries about being in this position. We've not done it. Everyone's just going with the flow and just doing the best that we can every single week.
"I think it's obviously a good thing that world football are looking at Hearts and seeing Hearts' name out there and making the club known all across the world. That's only a good thing.
"All the boys are buzzing coming in every day. We've been top of the league for a while now but I don't think anyone's really thinking or starting to worry that if we don't win this game or we win that game, where are we going to be?
"Personally, I'm not feeling too much pressure. It's just the pressure to go and win the game at the weekend and then see where it takes us.
"It's been such a great season, you're just so glad to be involved in it."
Halkett started just 29 matches across the previous three seasons as injuries threatened to end his time at Hearts. But the 30-year-old has started 24 of their 31 games this term and been one of their key players.
"It's obviously been well documented that I've struggled for a period of time in the last few years," he said.
"It's been over three years since I've played this amount of games in a single season so on a personal note, it's been hugely satisfying.
"I've always been confident that the performances I've been putting in this season have been there but I've just not really had that chance to do it consistently, so to do it this year, it's been great. I'm loving every minute of it."
Image source, SNSRangers head coach Danny Rohl was keeping his team news cards close to his chest when he spoke to the media on Friday.
Right-back Max Aarons missed the draw with Motherwell, while long-term injured Connor Barron and Derek Cornelius are still out.
Hearts centre-half Craig Halkett returns from suspension, but fellow defender Stephen Kingsley has suffered a fresh injury setback.
Cammy Devlin, Lawrence Shankland, Calem Nieuwenhof and Finlay Pollock remain sidelined.
Image source, SNSSince the start of last season, no player has more goal involvements for Rangers in the Scottish Premiership than Nicolas Raskin (22 – seven goals, 15 assists), the midfielder scoring their goal in the midweek 1-1 draw with Motherwell.
Hearts have kept more clean sheets (five) in the Premiership in 2026 so far than any side, while only Motherwell (two) have conceded fewer goals in the competition than Hearts' three in this calendar year.
Rangers have won their past nine home games in all competitions by an aggregate score of 28-2, beating Queen's Park 8-0 last time out – their largest home winning margin since beating Hamilton Academical 8-0 in the league in November 2020.
Hearts have won both of their away league games at Celtic and Rangers this season; in Scottish league history, the only occasions of any team beating the two Old Firm clubs three times away from home in a single season are Aberdeen in 1979-80 and in 1982-83.
Rangers have lost their past two league meetings with Hearts, last losing three in a row in March 1986 under Jock Wallace. 1985-86 is the only season the Ibrox side have ever lost three times to Hearts within a single league campaign.
Hearts won at Ibrox this season for the first time since 2014
Derek McInnes has to be "a bit of a salesman" to convince people his Hearts side can win at Ibrox again but is glad to have recent proof.
Hearts have beaten Rangers in both meetings this season, winning 2-0 in Govan in September (watch the highlights above) for a first victory over Rangers since 2020 and first at Ibrox in 11 years.
That was followed by a 2-1 home success in December and McInnes' Premiership leaders are aiming to make it three in a row in Sunday's trip across the M8 to open an eight-point gap over Rangers.
"I think it's a good reference for us," McInnes said of Hearts' previous win at Ibrox.
"It was well documented to me before the game earlier this season how poor our record was as a club at Ibrox.
"Rangers are a good side, they're expected to be up there, they recruited really well in January and they've spent a lot of money so we're well aware it's a difficult game at any time.
"I do think from our point of view going there and winning previously and putting in a good performance shows what can be done. We beat Rangers at Tynecastle as well.
"I think it's good for me in terms of the message. Sometimes as a manger you've got to be a wee bit of a salesman to convince people you can win games.
"Sometimes when you've got those results to back you up it helps with the whole narrative as well."
Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
'Hearts starting to annoy people' - McInnes
Hearts head coach Derek McInnes has been speaking to the media as his side prepare for Sunday's visit to Rangers.
Here are the key lines:
On the derby victory over Hibs in midweek, McInnes says "having the late winner was just brilliant, it was such an emotional moment" but admits he'd "rather have been a bit more comfortable in the game".
Winning earlier in the season at Ibrox is "a good reference" for the team and "going there having won previously shows what could be done" but McInnes admits as manager he has to be "a bit of a salesman and try to convince people you can win games".
McInnes knows the "significance of the fixture" but says: "Win, lose, or draw it doesn't decide anything... nothing will be decided on Sunday but we will be looking to win the game."
The head coach reveals their target at the start of the season was to pick up 18 league wins "as quickly as possible" and they're still one short of that total. Now they're focused on being at the top of the table "as long as we can".
McInnes feels Hearts are now beginning to "annoy a few people" with their league position and knows "some people would have thought we'd have fallen away" by this point in the season.
He adds: "I'm absolutely fine when people think we can't maintain it and I understand that." McInnes feels his side are "finding ways to win" with key players out but knows the "biggest challenge is still to come".
McInnes admits his side are "overachieving in terms of what was expected of us" at the start of the season, adding "it's just nice for us to be in among it".
Trying to turn the Ibrox crowd is not part of his gameplan and Hearts will have to "do a lot of things right" if they are to win on Sunday.
Team news: Craig Halkett returns to the squad after suspension but Stephen Kingsley, who has been out since December with a groin problem, has suffered a calf injury so will be out for five weeks.
Cammy Devlin could be fit for the Aberdeen game at the end of the month but McInnes admits it's "more likely he'll back for Kilmarnock" in mid-March. The "plan" for Lawrence Shankland is a return in "the last week of March".
Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
With 26 games played and just 12 league fixtures remaining, Hearts sit proudly at the summit of the Premiership.
It is rare for any side to mount a serious title challenge without encountering setbacks along the way. Every campaign brings its difficult moments.
Yet the greatest compliment that can be paid to Derek McInnes and his players is their resilience. Whenever they have stumbled or faced adversity, they have responded.
Tuesday night's Edinburgh derby at Tynecastle was a perfect example. Following a disappointing defeat in Paisley - arguably one of their poorest performances of the season - questions inevitably surfaced.
Pundits and supporters wondered whether this might signal the beginning of a slide at a crucial stage of the campaign. Instead, Hearts answered in the only way that truly matters.
It was a tense evening, both on and off the pitch, but again this team found a way.
Tomas Magnusson's dramatic late winner, struck with just two minutes remaining, sparked scenes of elation.
McInnes' celebration on the touchline said it all - this is a squad that understands exactly what is at stake.
There is little time to bask in that victory though as an even sterner test awaits in Govan in Sunday.
Hearts have already silenced Ibrox once this season, when Lawrence Shankland's double secured a famous win.
The captain will be absent on Sunday, but belief within the squad remains strong that another statement result is achievable.
As the season enters its decisive phase and the prizes begin to shimmer on the horizon, each match grows in significance.
Should Hearts make the journey back along the M8 with three more points, it would represent another enormous stride towards what could become a truly momentous campaign.
Charlotte Cohen
BBC Sport Scotland
Just as Hearts looked to be running out of ideas, Harry Milne delivered an inviting low ball for Tomas Magnusson to net the late winning goal against Hibs.
It left-back Milne's sixth assist of the season - the joint most in the Premiership.
The 29-year-old has blossomed as a Hearts regular this season and more than played has part in the dramatic derby win for the Premiership leaders.
For starters, Milne made 14 final-third entries - no played on the pitch made more - while his three dribbles were the most of any Hearts player.
Milne won 10 out of 14 duels, only Pierre Landry Kabore won more, while he won possession six times - again the most of any player Hearts player.
In terms of delivery, Milne's six crosses was also the biggest total for any Hearts player while his one chance created - which led to the goal - wasn't bettered by anyone in maroon.
Looking at the season as a whole, Milne's stats are impressive. His 156 passes played into the box (including crosses) is the sixth highest of any player in the league while his 36 chances created is the seventh highest.
Milne has delivered 51 successful crosses (including corners), the highest of any Premiership player, while his 15 chances created from set-plays is only bettered by Rangers' James Tavernier.
Milne's contribution will be vital for Hearts as they continue their push for the Premiership title.
Magnusson scores derby winner
Tomas Magnusson admits he is having "quite the week".
Having netted the late winner against Hibs to send Hearts six points clear at the top of the Premiership, the Icelandic midfielder is set to become a dad for the first time.
Magnusson, 23, came off the bench to light up a turgid Edinburgh derby by stroking home Harry Milne's cross two minutes from time on Tuesday night.
Speaking post match, head coach Derek McInnes said: "We think the baby will hopefully come before the weekend.
"He's a young man, over here with his partner, it's been a big upheaval for him, but he showed such a maturity and scored another important goal for us.
"He's done ever so well for us and is a bit unfortunate not to be starting the games. It's a busy time in his life, an important period in his life, and he's going to become a dad, which is brilliant for him."
The man himself rated his winning goal as the "number one" moment of his career, but is refusing to look too far ahead in the pursuit of title glory.
"It's just a brilliant feeling to get the three points and get on the scoresheet," he told Hearts TV.
"We're in the title race but it's just one game at a time and that's been the message throughout the season.
"Throughout the season we've had a few setbacks but we've answered quite well. We wanted to answer a setback again in this game."
McInnes celebrates with Hearts ball boy
Derek McInnes joked "his mother and father have got a taser for me" after he celebrated Hearts' dramatic Edinburgh derby winner with a ball boy.
Substitute Tomas Magnusson's 88th-minute goal prompted Jambo euphoria on the Tynecastle pitch, in the stands and on the touchline as McInnes raced to embrace the ball boy and salute the supporters.
It wasn't the first time the youngster has been involved in McInnes' celebrations - the 54-year-old did the same thing last month when Hearts beat St Mirren with 10 men.
"I think his mother and father have got a taser for me," McInnes joked.
"I really need to leave him alone. There was fear in his eyes when I ran towards him.
"We're all the same, we just have that sheer elation.
"I actually thought it was still a wee bit longer to go. I was a bit delighted when I realised there was only a few minutes left, I thought there was still about seven or eight minutes and then I still wanted to navigate the extra time.
"So it was a bit different to Craig Halkett's goal [in the 1-0 win derby in October], but thankfully we managed to keep the danger away from the goal and get the all-important three points."
Highlights: Hearts 1-0 Hibernian
Hearts fans, we asked for your views on Tuesday night's dramatic 1-0 Edinburgh derby win over Hibs.
Here's what some of you said:
Brian: A scrappy game with few chances and a never-say-die attitude from Hearts. Getting results from games like this is what Hearts have been doing all season and I hope they keep doing it right to the end.
Tam: One of the worst derbies for years but one of the best results for years due to what's at stake. Now we have real momentum. The media quite rightly point out that Hearts have no experience in winning leagues, but we have just as many players with league medals as Rangers. Most important derby win since the cup final. Bring on the Rangers.
David: Well done to the team for grinding out a result in a game where composure and shot accuracy were in short supply. We are now showing how much we are missing Lawrence Shankland, Cammy Devlin and Craig Halkett with both Alexandros Kyziridis and Claudio Braga in need of a rest but with no replacements seeming to be good enough at this stage.
Oliver: Not a great game to watch but it's electric when that ball hits the back of the net. We have two internationals in Shanks and Cammy to come back within a few weeks which will feel like new signings at this point. We just refuse to settle, we keep going.
Barry: Zero composure, zero creativity, zero goals conceded and three points in the bag - it's hard not to love football. If we play like that for the remaining 12 games and win, none of us will complain. Churning out results is how you become champions.
Christopher: I always thought being top of the league would be fun but the pressure is relentless. We are deep into the championship rounds and throwing haymakers. We've got 12 cup finals to go with the weight of Scottish football on our shoulders - proud of my team for never giving up.
Manager Derek McInnes says Hearts showed the "desire" of title-winning Celtic and Rangers teams of the past as he scoffed at gripes about the quality of his side's 1-0 Edinburgh derby win over Hibernian. (The Herald)
McInnes has revealed how a ballboy has become a lucky charm, having made a bee-line for him when Hearts beat St Mirren earlier at Tynecastle earlier in the season as well as after the winner against Hibs. (Scottish Sun)
Read the rest of Wednesday's gossip.
Highlights: Hearts 1-0 Hibernian
Watch all the highlights as Tomas Magnusson's late goal secured an important 1-0 Edinburgh derby win over Hibs. Available to UK users only.
Tomas Magnusson's 88th-minute strike sparked Tynecastle bedlam and gave Heart of Midlothian a crucial Edinburgh derby victory to extend their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership table to six points.
Image source, SNSHearts' head coach Derek McInnes: "There was no quarter given from both sets of players, full press from both teams. They didn't let us settle, we didn't let them settle.
"On a tight pitch with a greasy surface, players need to concentrate on that first touch and I thought the game was so scrappy at times.
"Both teams played the derby in the manner it should be played but you're looking for bits of quality, bits of calmness. You're waiting for the game to settle and it didn't for the full game.
"Hibs caused us more anxiety in the first half. When we went full press, they had more of a threat at the top end. They had a couple scary moments, the long throws were causing us an issue. Their best chances came from that type of football.
"We changed the shape, put two wingers at wing back and went to a back three and allowed a wee bit more calmness with our work. It nullified their threat better and gave us more of a foothold.
"We recognise we can play a lot better and there's games coming up where we need to play a lot better. Derby games aren't always about the best team, the best players, the best passages of play. It's about way more than that, what's under the bonnet.
"What we've got in abundance is a desire to make the game go our way. Harry Milne's desire to get the ball to the byeline, Tomas Magnusson's desire to get on the end of it. That's what I'm talking about.
"For all it was scrappy and untidy, that's the way derbies are. There's been a million of them are. Without the experience we've got missing in the team, a lot of our boys were playing that type of game for the first time.
"I always feel we've got a goal in us. It's very rarely we don't score. What a brilliant moment for us. Tynecastle was such a beautiful sight."
Image source, SNSFree agent Barrie McKay is training with Livingston and could be offered a contract after the Premiership strugglers lost Scott Arfield and Connor McLennan to injury.
Former Rangers playmaker McKay, 31, has been without a club since leaving Hearts last summer.
Manager Marvin Bartley refused to be drawn on interest in McKay but did confirm that veteran midfielder Arfield and winger McLennan are facing spells on the sidelines with hamstring and ankle injuries respectively.
"I don't think they'll be back for the next couple of weeks, put it that way," he said.
"I think Connor will be slightly longer than Scottie is, but definitely not for the next couple of weeks.
"It's a massive blow. We're down in numbers in terms of the size of the squad as well, so losing any players at this moment in time makes it extremely difficult, especially those two players.
"Connor's done extremely well for us and obviously Scottie was brought in (in January) to give us that boost in attacking areas.
"We've lost two boys from the top end of the pitch, but it's an opportunity for others to now step up and go into the team and take their places."
Bottom side Livi visit third-placed Celtic on Wednesday bidding to end a 25-game run without victory.
"It's a massive task, isn't it?" said Bartley. "Celtic are obviously chasing another title. It'll be extremely difficult.
"On any given day, anything can happen. If you go into football thinking you can't win, then it would be pointless."
