Derek McInnes has provided important updates ahead of the final Edinburgh Derby this season.
Speaking with media today the Hearts boss was asked about the team’s recent trip to Spain for a training camp ahead of the final five games.
He said “I think it was exactly what we hoped it would be, to be honest. It was a nice, calm environment. Obviously we wanted to try and get away for loads of reasons”
“But we knew what’s ahead of us. It’s the kind of calm before the storm. All the focus and all the spotlight on the season”
“You know we tried to top up work into some of the lads that needed it. As I said before, pitches were good, environment was good, and we came back on Friday ready to set about this week”
“It’s such an important week for us, an important game so going the right way”
“Harry Milne is progressing well, neither in or out for the weekend. If the weekend comes to soon for him then hopefully he will be fit for the next game against Rangers”
He also provided an injury update on Oisin McEntee who required scan whilst the team were abroad.
He confirmed the Irishman will miss out of the remainder of the season saying “Unfortunately, Oisin got bad news on the scan and will be out for the season, which is a real blow for us.”
“We had a few days to deal with that and let that sink in, on top of Tomas Magnusson being out. So, we have to deal with that.”
“We’ve dealt with key players being injured before. Both Oisin and Tomas give us real strength. It gives us real reliability, and they give us that real competitive nature, which your team always wants to have.”
“I’m trying to focus on the ones I have available and as harsh as that is, we need to deal with the games without these boys.”
McInnes also reflected on the season overall as well stating “I’m just so proud of the players for getting us in this position.”
”Because a lot has been said about how we arrived at this situation, the boardroom support, Jamestown and all the rest of it. But the players have been the biggest driver in all of this to get us to where we are.”
“70 points is a great number to get to going into the split. I think it’s the first time Hearts have done that at this stage, the quickest we’ve got to that.”
”The first team outwith Rangers and Celtic to be top, going into the split. The players have done so well to get us here. We just want to try and enjoy it now and finish off the job.”
With only five games remaining and with the top three teams being so close on points, Hearts will be looking to start of their split campaign strong with a victory against their rivals.
