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McInnes urges Hearts to seize opportunity ahead of Tynecastle return

Hearts return to home action on Wednesday evening, looking to break a three-match winless run in the Scottish Premiership against 10th-place Kilmarnock. Speaking with HeartsTV after Saturday’s goalless draw at Fir Park, Derek McInnes hopes his side can “ask the question” of their next opponents. “I want us to try and be a bit more of what we were in terms of being more confident about our work, a bit more belief about our work and a bit more aggressive in our work, even with the two strikers on at the end, the refusal to play up to Kabore and Shankland, and ask the question a bit earlier.” The 0-0 draw left the league leaders 5 points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership, until nearest challengers Celtic closed that gap to two points the following afternoon at Easter Road. “We kept going round the houses, got ourselves bogged down, so we need to try and engage with strikers, play forward more, and hopefully get our just rewards, and Wednesday night gives us an opportunity – as it always is.” Hearts are unbeaten in 13 of 14 Premiership games, and are the top goalscorers domestically. That included a comprehensive 3-0 victory at BBSP Rugby Park against Wednesday’s opponents, Kilmarnock, “We take the positives from the day to take a point, it’s another point, which on the road is decent shooting. But as long as you take care of your home games, and hopefully we can do that on Wednesday.” Victory at Tynecastle would set up a clash with Celtic on Sunday afternoon, the table toppers will be keen to extend their impressive start to the league season before that tantalising trip to the east end of Glasgow.

December 2, 2025

Delighted that even ahead of the game we had a chance to go seven points clear – McInnes

Following their stalemate against Motherwell, Derek McInnes called for “perspective” on his side’s positive start to the Scottish Premiership season. Speaking with the media at full-time, the Hearts boss remains content with their opening fourteen league matches. “Delighted, even ahead of the game, we had a chance to go seven points clear, even saying that as a Hearts manager, that nearly into December, a chance to go seven points clear, there has to be some sort of perspective.” “These boys are human. They work hard to care for the club, to try and get results. So there’s no real criticism for me. There are certain things I thought we could have done better today, and there’s a bit of frustration towards that, but we’re doing a lot right, we’ve got a good thing going here at the club.” “It’s important we try and win a game of football on Wednesday. If we can do that, then we get into next weekend’s game in a decent place and a good position.” The manager revealed that he had urged his side to carry more “belief” after a goalless first period. “I thought we had some good moments (in the second half). We pressed well. I thought that in the first half, we tried to fill the midfield. We were really strong with our work. I thought we tried to stop Motherwell getting any sort of rhythm. The keepers didn’t really have a lot to do. I know that the goal was chopped off, but rightly, it was offside.” “I thought we were really good when we did switch to play and moved the ball that but quicker and strikers linked to play, I thought we arrived outside the box with a good few opportunities, and we weren’t on point enough with that.” Hearts remain top of the Scottish Premiership, the 0-0 draw moves them five points clear of Celtic, who have two games in hand. “I thought we’re good enough for a point. I don’t think we’re good enough to get three points, and that’s disappointing. It’s the last couple of games now where we’re an attacking threat, which has loads of plaudits, loads of praise, and rightly so, both individually and as a team” “I think in that sense, a point on the road at Motherwell in isolation, a clean sheet isn’t the worst result as long as you win your home games. But in the context of not winning at Aberdeen, drawing against Dundee United, I think it just feels a bit more disappointment as a consequence.” Hearts are still without central player Beni Baningime, who has missed three consecutive games with a hamstring injury. The Hearts manager referenced the “control” that the midfielder brings. “He can pass, as we know. He looks after the ball. He is very defensive-minded as well. He can snuff out attacks. So you get a bit of both as a central midfield player. You get good ball retention, good experience. Can play in tight areas and protect the back lot.” The Tynecastle outfit return to league action on Wednesday against Kilmarnock, before a top of the table clash with Celtic the following Sunday.

November 29, 2025

Aberdeen 1-0 Hearts: Jambos Stunned at Pittodrie

Topi Keskinen (39’) Aberdeen had a stronger start to the game with a shot on target for Dylan Lobban in 2 minutes. Hearts were quick to fight back with a Kyziridis free kick floated over top landing with StuartFindlay but the shot was just wide in the end and would have potentially been pulled back for offside. McInnes’ side have not won at Pittodrie since May 2016 which ended as a 1-0 win for the Jambos. It wasn’t meant to be for the travelling side as The Dons opened the scoring after 39 minutes Topi Keskinen with a shot from outside the box hit into the bottom right corner of the goal. Into the second half Hearts looked to be the stronger side with some more pressing chances Tomas Magnusson fired a header straight at the goalkeeper. They had back to back chances first from Landry Kabore fired wide right side of the goal and Kyziridis just a minute later but again straight across the goal. Final chance of the game for the Jamtarts and it was a cross from Christian Borchgrevink onto James Wilson but was headed wide of goal. A convincing performance for Aberdeen, and a lot of improvements in recent matches. A first loss of the season for Hearts while missing some of the key players from the squad. Jimmy Thelin’s side take on FC Noah on Thursday night in the Europa Conference league. McInnes’ next match is away to Motherwell next Saturday. Aberdeen: Mitov (8), Lobban (7), Devlin (7), Knoester (8), Milne (8), Jensen (7), Aouchiche (7), Polvara(7), Armstrong(8), Keskinen(9), Lazetic (7)Subs: Molloy (6), Clarkson (7), Milanovic (7), Shinnie (6), Nisbet (6) Hearts:Schwolow (6), Kent (6), Braga (6), Kabore (5), Devlin (7), Steinwender (5), Milne (6), Findlay (6), Magnusson (6), McEntee (6), Kyziridis (6) Subs: Spittal (5), McCart (6), Borchgrenvick (6), Forrest (5), Wilson (5),

November 23, 2025

Hearts 1 – 1 Dundee United: Stephenson header earns point for United at Tynecastle

Hearts 1 – 1 Dundee United Kucherenko (25′ OG) Stephenson (45′) Hearts’ unbeaten start to the Scottish Premiership continued after a frantic draw against Dundee United. It was a breathless start in front of a sellout Tynecastle crowd, but the first opening didn’t occur until the 7th minute. Ivan Dolcek slid Zac Sapsford through on Alexander Schwolow’s goal; the attacker cleverly dinked the Austrian goalkeeper to score, but play was brought back for offside. Tomas Bent Magnusson responded for Hearts in the 13th minute. A right-sided corner dropped kindly to the Norwegian on the edge of the box, and his sliced strike forced Yevhen Kucherenko into an important save. Pierre Landry Kabore, fresh off a brace against Dundee eight days ago, was next to test his luck. His left-footed strike had power, but drifted wide of the goal frame. Dario Naamo unleashed Amar Fatah behind the Hearts defence after 17 minutes. The Swede skewed his right-footed shot wide, but the play was brought back again for offside. Oisin McEntee ventured down the United left, and Kabore connected with his fizzed cross to head over, bringing an exhausting opening 20 minutes to a close. A Kucherenko own goal gave Hearts the lead after 25 minutes. Braga found Kyziridis on the edge of the box, and after shifting the ball onto his right foot, he curled a low strike which deflected in off the goalkeeper’s body. Dundee United carried a threat on occasion and grew into the first period. A looping backpost cross found Fatah, who cushioned his header past Schwolow’s goal in the 32nd minute. The visitors almost equalised on the stroke of halftime. Schwolow raced off his line to clear a loose ball, which cannoned off on the onrushing Dolcek. Luckily for Derek McInnes’s side, the deflection fizzed wide. The goal eventually arrived in the 45th minute. Fatah’s backpost corner kick delivery was headed back across the goal by Liverpool loanee Luca Stephenson to spark mayhem in the away end. McInnes opted for a double change at halftime, as they aimed to cement a 10th league victory of the season by bringing on Stephen Kingsley and Michael Steinwender. The changes helped pen the visitors back, and Kucherenko gathered Steinwender’s looping header after 52 minutes as they searched for a second goal. United responded on the hour mark, Fatah drove at the Hearts’ backline, but his blazing strike went high into the Roseburn Stand. Premiership top goalscorer Lawrence Shankland volleyed over a Kyziridis’ cutback as the Tynecastle faithful spurred on their team. The tension was palpable as they aimed to maintain their nine-point league lead. United had the ball in the net in the 71st minute. Sapsford megged Stuart Findlay before drilling the ball across the goal for Fatah to tap home. Once more, play was brought back for an offside. Neither team were able to force the winning goal, and a point felt like a fair result. The Jambos move onto 30 points at the top of the Scottish Premiership, but their lead could be reduced to four if Celtic beat Kilmarnock at Celtic Park. Dundee United remain in the bottom six, but looked far better than their abject showing against Motherwell eleven days ago. They face Falkirk at Tannadice after the international break, with Hearts visiting Aberdeen the day after. Heart of Midlothian: Schwolow 6 McEntee 6 Halkett 7 Findlay 7 Milne 6 Magnusson 6 Devlin 7 Braga 6 Kyziridis 7 Kabore 5 Shankland 6 Substitutes: Steinwender 6 Kingsley 6 Ageu 5 Kerjota 5 Dundee United: Kucherenko 7 Iovu 7 Esselink 7 Keresztes 7 Naamo 6 Dolcek 7 Stephenson 7 Sevelj 6 Camara 7 Fatah 6 Sapsford 7 Substitutes: N/A

November 9, 2025

In-Form Hearts Travel to St Mirren Eyeing Ninth Straight Victory

St Mirren host Hearts this evening at the SMiSA Stadium in Paisley in what promises to be a pivotal encounter for both sides. Hearts arrive on the back of an excellent win against Celtic, while St Mirren will be looking to halt a difficult run and reignite their campaign on home soil. Hearts currently sit top of the Scottish Premiership table, having played nine games, registered eight wins and one draw and remain unbeaten in the league so far. They have scored 22 goals and conceded just 7, giving them a goal-difference of +15. Their strong form reflects the confidence within the squad and the impact of manager Derek McInnes since the campaign begun. By contrast, St Mirren have found life more challenging this season. They are currently ninth in the table after nine games, picking up two wins, three draws and four defeats to amass 9 points, with a goal-difference of -4 (6 goals scored, 10 conceded). Although the season is just getting started, the Paisley side will feel the pressure to deliver a positive result at home to a visiting Hearts side. This evening’s fixture pits Hearts’ relentless momentum against St Mirren’s determination to reignite their season. The visitors will aim to extend their unbeaten run and tighten their hold on first place, while the Buddies will be desperate to turn recent frustrations into fuel and remind the league of their quality on home turf. St Mirren will be without Alex Gogic tonight through suspension and their manager will watch on from the stands after being shown red against Aberdeen last weekend. Hearts have no major injury reports within the current and consistent starting lineup.

October 29, 2025

Robinson Focused on “Turning Performances into Results” ahead of Hearts Clash

St Mirren have endured three straight Scottish Premiership defeats, but manager Stephen Robinson is confident that “the results will follow” as his side hosts high-flying Hearts on Wednesday evening. Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Robinson said,” People only see the result and the end product, and of course, that’s ultimately what matters. But in the last two games, we’ve actually played better than the games that we’ve won this season” “I’m very confident in that we know what we need to do better. We had 35 crosses, we had 13 corners, and we had, I believe, 24 shots, but only three on target,” “which tells you that is where the problem lies. That’s as a team. It’s not as just centre forwards alone or forward players. It’s from set plays, we have to score more.” The Buddies return to the SMISA Stadium, a ground where Robinson believes his side can “compete with every team.” “There’s never a game where we feel we are massively under the cosh. We’ve dominated large parts of possession.” “But we know what we’ve got in the building. We know what we’re working to achieve, and had we won on Saturday, we’d be third. So all this needs to be put into perspective.” “We’ve lost three in a row. I didn’t think we were the best team in the world when we lost one in 18. Certainly, I don’t think we’re the worst team in the world. We’re playing well. It’s now turning that performance into results” Robinson’s side face a Hearts team currently top of the Scottish Premiership, the manager expressed praise for Derek McInnes, but aims to “put an end to that run”, which has seen them move eight points clear. “I love the fact that a UK manager, Scottish manager, has proven that he’s as good as everybody else, which was never any doubt.” “Delighted that Derek has done well, but obviously not tomorrow night. We aim to hopefully put an end to that run. We have to be right at the top of our game; they’ll bring brilliant support. They’ve got a very good squad of players. Their bench is strong. We know that, but so are we.” “We’ve beaten Hearts already this season, went all the way to penalties, so it’ll be a close game, and since then, they’ve had a really good run of form. So it’s a tough game.” St Mirren v Heart of Midlothian The SMISA Stadium 7:45pm Wed 29 Oct 2025

October 28, 2025

“There is No Pressure” – Alexandros Kyziridis

Hearts’ Alexandros Kyziridis insists him and his teammates are taking things a game at a time, as the Jambos extended their lead on Celtic to eight points yesterday. The Greek winger netted his side’s second in a 3-1 win over the defending champions, with a Dane Murray own goal and a Lawrence Shankland penalty also helping the Edinburgh side on their way. But Kyziridis was keen to play down any title talk just yet. “[I feel] amazing. Lots of feelings, but just for today. Tomorrow we need to be focused on our Wednesday game” he said post match. “I don’t want to talk about that [title bid], it was just a game. So many games are left, so we just need to be focussed on every game, game by game.” The summer recruit’s fifth goal of the season comes days after him and his wife introduced their newborn son to the world. “By far the best week of my life. It [preparation] was hard for me, but I will need to get used to it. “I sleep well, thanks to my wife! She looks for him, while I sleep, so I sleep well, thanks to her.” Impressive strikes from outside the box are becoming a calling card for 25 year-old, but he believes this group of players won’t be getting carried away with their fine start just yet. “There is no pressure. We are enjoying it and we have to continue like this. “For us, it’s important to see it game by game. We don’t want to see what happens in the future, no one knows. We just need to be humble and do our job, and this is what I will do.” Kyziridis is yet to be capped for the Greece national side, but the Hearts fan-favourite is eager to change this. “It’s one of my targets, for sure. “It’s a honour to play for your national team, I’m waiting and if they need me, I will be there, and I know that we play against Scotland!” Hearts travel to St. Mirren on Wednesday as they hope to maintain their unbeaten start to the league season, with the Paisley side the only team to defeat them domestically this campaign when they dumped them from the Premier Sports Cup in August.

October 27, 2025

Hearts Go Eight Clear After Victory Over Celtic

Hearts 3-1 Celtic Murray (O.G) (8′), McGregor (12′) Kyziridis (51′) Shankland (pen) (54′) Hearts title challenge gained some serious credibility after a statement 3-1 victory over current holders Celtic at Tynecastle. An early opener courtesy of a Dane Murray own goal was quickly cancelled out by Callum McGregor, before a second half strike from Alexandros Kyziridis and a Lawrence Shankland penalty sparked chants of ‘we shall not be moved’ around Gorgie. The result moves the maroon side of Edinburgh eight points clear of Celtic, with a chance to make it eleven on Saturday, provided both sides win midweek, due to Celtic playing in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final. The home side got off to a flyer eight minutes in when Dane Murray booted the ball into his own goal. Alexandros Kyziridis’s ball was headed back across for Claudio Braga, who forced a terrific save from Kasper Schmeichel. The rebound was followed up on by Hearts captain Shankland, going as far as young Murray, who’s botched clearance nearly burst the net. Despite it being early, there was a sense that a Hearts opener was looming. The champions responded in typical fashion however just four minutes later, with skipper Callum McGregor finding the bottom right corner from close range. The Celtic midfielder was picked out by Tunisian winger Kieran Tierney, before rolling home the equaliser. Hearts were nearly put back in front just after the half hour mark by another own goal from another Celtic academy graduate. Dane Murray done well to initially defend a Kyziridis ball in, but his clearance ricocheted off Colby Donovan and came agonisingly close to nestling into the bottom right corner. Benjamin Nygren had Celtic’s best opportunity to take the lead 38 minutes in. Reo Hatate done well to intercept a loose ball from Hearts ‘keeper Alexander Schwolow, but he more than made up for it when he denied the Swede inside the six-yard box with an incredible save at the end of a Hoops move. Tynecastle would soon be rocking just five minutes after the restart. Kyziridis picked the ball up from the left wing, and was afforded too much room as he rifled one into Schmeichel’s bottom left corner from the edge of the box to net his fifth goal of the season. And the Hearts had barely had a chance to catch their breath back before referee Steven McLean awarded the Jambos a spot kick. Dane Murray’s clumsy challenge on Claudio Braga gave Lawrence Shankland the chance to mark his 150th Hearts appearance with a goal, and the striker made no mistake in finding the bottom left corner despite Schmeichel guessing the correct way. Hearts had a massive chance to put the cherry on top with 15 minutes to go. Shankland sparked a counter-attack after beating Liam Scales and finding Claudio Braga. The Portuguese winger put Ague through, but the Brazilian put his effort straight at Schmeichel on his Tynecastle debut. Hearts remain the only side unbeaten in the Scottish Premiership, and have beaten both sides of Glasgow already. Their title challenge goes full steam ahead towards Paisley as they take on St. Mirren for the first time since the Buddies dumped them out the Premier Sports Cup on Wednesday. As for Celtic, they will be eager to get back to winning ways when they host Falkirk also for the first time since eliminating them from the League Cup before gearing up for the same competition’s semi-final with Rangers on Sunday. HEARTS: Schwolow 5, Kingsley 6 (McCart 90’ 1), Findlay 7, Halkett 6, McEntee 5 (Steinwender 70’2), Kyziridis 8 (Ague 70’ 1), Baningime 7, Devlin 6, Milne 6, Shankland 6 (Kabangu 90’ 1), Braga 6 (Magnusson 80’1) CELTIC: Schmeichel 4, Donovan 5, Murray 3, Scales 4, Tierney 5, Engels 4, McGregor 6, Hatate 4 (Forrest 59’ 2), Nygren 4 (McCowan 70’2), Kenny 3 (Yamada 59’2), Tounekti 6 (Balikwisha 59’ 2)

October 26, 2025

Derek McInnes: The Calm Mind Driving Hearts’ Charge

Hearts manager Derek McInnes joined Si Ferry on the Open Goal podcast and gave fans a real look inside the club’s flying start to the season. Sitting top of the Premiership, McInnes came across calm, grounded and focused, not getting carried away with the hype around Hearts’ form. He admitted expectations are high in Gorgie but said the squad are thriving under that pressure. For him it’s all about keeping standards high every day and sticking to the plan. He said the Jam Tarts’ position in the table is no fluke. It’s been earned through hard work and organisation. Talking recruitment, the Jambos boss explained how data and analytics help shape decisions but he’s still old-school at heart. Stats might flag up a player, but attitude and character make the final difference. He made it clear that you can’t measure personality, a reminder that he values people as much as performance. He was full of praise for Cammy Devlin, calling him a key part of the team’s spirit and intensity. McInnes also urged patience with new signings, saying some need time to adapt to the demands at the Edinburgh club. The 54-year-old said wants his side to play with edge and aggression both in training and on matchdays. He said he wants a bit of ferocity about the team, and it’s clear that mentality is spreading through the squad. Looking ahead, he knows it’s crucial to keep the momentum going as his side could making history this season.

October 23, 2025

Hearts in “Good Place” ahead of Celtic Visit – McInnes

Hearts host Celtic at Tynecastle this weekend, seeking to extend their lead at the summit of the Scottish Premiership to eight points. Talking to the media on Wednesday, McInnes said his team “are facing the toughest challenge”. “Celtic always provide the toughest challenge, certainly in recent seasons, and it’s another test for us, but it’s a test that we are looking forward to.” “I think we are going into it in a good place, I think we feel ready, I think the supporters feel ready for it, Tynecastle will be ready for it.” Saturday’s three-nil victory over Kilmarnock was Hearts’ fifth straight league victory, and they are now unbeaten in 12 of 13 games since McInnes took over. “Regardless of what we have done previously in previous games, there are good references and some good performances up until now, but it doesn’t guarantee anything, The expectation around the Tynecastle side continues to grow, but for McInnes, “the expectation is on ourselves” “The season is still only eight games in, it’s very early, whether you’re in good form or in poorer form for any team, there’s still so much of the season ahead.” “The time to just judge the team is at the end of the season, not after eight games, but I do think people can see there is plenty of encouragement being given by what the players are giving, and it’s important we just keep trying to tap into that.” McInnes and Rodgers will meet in the dugout for the 23rd time; past meetings have included Scottish and League Cup finals. The Hearts manager was full of praise for his opposite number, “I’ve played against Brendan’s teams often enough, and he is such a top manager, a top operator, and Celtic are littered with top players, They spend the money on the squad they’ve got because and the demand, and they are such a good high-level of player, so we’ve got our work cut out on Sunday to get a result.” “I’m focusing on us trying to be the toughest opponent for them, and making sure our performance gives us a chance”

October 22, 2025

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