Hearts Archives - Page 2 of 8

Hearts 1-0 Hibernian: The Late, Late Show With Tomas Magnusson

Hearts left it late against city rivals Hibs in a 1-0 victory, extending the Gorgie side’s lead at the league summit to six points at least until tomorrow. Tomas Magnusson’s third goal of the season was all that was needed to secure victory in a cagey affair, as the Hibee’s suffer late derby heartache for the second time at Tynecastle this season following Craig Halkett’s last gasp winner back in October. Derek McInnes’ side have ramped up the pressure on Rangers and Celtic once more, with both sides in action against Motherwell and Livingston tomorrow evening respectively. Hibs gave their opponents a fright inside the first ten minutes with a 2 vs 1 attack. New recruit Felix Passlack done well to find space and create an opening, but his final ball to slip in Martin Boyle lacked the perfection that was desperately needed, giving Hearts time to regroup and defend. In a game that lacked quality throughout, the best chance of the first half for Hearts fell for Islam Chesnokov just minutes before half time. The Kazakhstani attacker, making his first start since signing in January, latched onto a break of the ball inside Raphael Sallinger’s six-yard box following an attempt from Pierre Landry Kabore. He got it all wrong, however, lifting the ball over the bar and keeping the scoreline level heading into the interval. Hibs managed to control periods of the game better in the second period without creating anything meaningful until Nicky Cadden stepped up with just over twenty minutes of play. Cadden, who had produced a couple dangerous balls just prior, easily beat Chesnokov inside the box at the left flank, and put a teasing ball across the deck for Martin Boyle. The Australian flung a foot at it amid pressure from the Hearts’ defence, and it sailed over from close-range. With tension filling the air at a jam-packed Tynecastle Park, a hero stepped up with two minutes to play. Harry Milne drilled a ball into the box and Icelandic midfielder Tomas Magnusson ran onto and putted the ball with precision into the bottom left corner to take the roof of off the place. The result puts Hearts six points ahead of nearest challengers Rangers and nine ahead of third placed Celtic, with the former facing Jens Berthel Askou’s Motherwell at Fir Park tomorrow and the latter at home to bottom of the pile Livingston. The Hibees remain fifth with one win from their last six in all competitions, as they hope Danny Rohl’s side can do them a favour and keep Motherwell from creating daylight between them in fourth. HEARTS: Schwolow 6, Milne 7, Findlay 5, Kent 5, McEntee 5, Baningime 6 (Magnusson 76′ 5), Leonard 5, Kyziridis 5 (Mato 87′ 1), Braga 7 (McCart 90+4), Chesnokov 4 (Altuena 76′ 2), Kabore 4 (Ageu 87′ 1) HIBERNIAN: Sallinger 5, Iredale 5, Bushiri 5, Garananga 4 (O’Hora 78′ 1), Cadden 7, Barlaser 6, Andrews 4, Passlack 5, Chaiwa 3 (McGrath 60′ 2), Scarlett 4 (Suto 60′ 3), Boyle 4 (Youan 73′ 1)

February 11, 2026

‘To lose a goal from a set play with two minutes to go is pretty galling’ – McInnes

Hearts boss Derek McInnes believes his side’s refusal to “play forward” contributed to their third league defeat of the season, leaving an opportunity for Celtic and Rangers to close the gap to three points. Speaking at full-time, McInnes accepts that the first-half dismissal of Craig Halkett gave his side an immediate uphill battle. ‘I thought we caused our own problems. I think it is the third time in four games we’ve gone down to 10 men, which gives us a mountain to climb. ‘We were guilty of putting ourselves in a bit of a fankle, in a bit of a state, to cause the red card ‘We had two opportunities to play forward, and we refused to do it, and we ended up getting caught on it unnecessarily, so we’ve got to accept that part of it. ‘No complaints about the red card, and then you’ve got to try and do all you can. Everybody has to work a bit harder, we’re working harder in the dugout, just to try and give the lads a chance to stay in the game, and we almost did it.’ Miguel Freckleton’s 88th-minute winner seals St Mirren’s first league victory in seven games. McInnes believes his side could have dealt with the set piece in a better manner. ‘To lose a goal from a set play with two minutes to go is pretty galling, but again, we should still deal with that. ‘We can’t have a free header there in the middle of our goal, and it’s harsh because I thought we put so much on it. I don’t think anybody could have denied that the effort we put in, we could have earned a point tonight.’ The manager reckons his side’s inability to play forward in the first half contributed to the defeat, ‘We need to be able to run forward and play forward, and we got to the top of the league with a lot of characteristics, of being that team, and I felt tonight, we were guilty of not playing forward in that early part of the game. ‘The distances between my last centre-half and their centre half was about 30 yards. The grass was all behind them; we needed more runs from the forward line, and we needed more passes into space to make them think twice about coming after us. The distances then become tighter and tighter, and you need to be really on point to break press. We broke their press a few times, and we got out, and we play alright. But we were guilty of that, and it ended up causing a red card, which makes the game so much more challenging for us.’ Hearts return to Premiership action next Tuesday, in the third Edinburgh Derby of the season at Tynecastle

February 4, 2026

Steady Moves in a Busy Month: Hearts’ January Window Reviewed

Heart of Midlothian approached the January 2026 transfer window with a clear aim, to strengthen key areas without disrupting the core of the squad. Defensive reinforcement arrived early with the signing of Dutch centre-back Jordi Altena from RKC Waalwijk. Brought in on an undisclosed fee, Altena has added reinforcements to the Jambos back line while also offering an attacking side as well. In attack, Hearts looked abroad for added pace and creativity. Islam Chesnokov joined from Tobol Kostanay, giving the side another option out wide. His arrival was highly anticipated after signing a pre contract at the beginning of the season. Midfield depth was addressed later in the window through the loan signing of Marc Leonard from Birmingham City. Leonard was part of the Hearts academy and has had a large impact over his first two games. Another attacking option arrived in the shape of Rogers Mato, who joined on loan from FK Vardar. The Ugandan forward came in as Hearts managed injuries among their strikers, with the deal structured to allow for his permanent three year move in the summer. Outgoing business was quieter but still significant. Goalkeeper Zander Clark moved to Doncaster Rovers on loan for the remainder of the campaign. The move allowed Clark to gain regular minutes, while Hearts still have the options of Alexander Schwolow, Craig Gordon and Ryan Fulton. Midfielder Sander Kartum also left temporarily, joining Wellington Phoenix in Australia’s A-League Men. The loan will provide Kartum with more consistent football and he has made an impact already, scoring in his first appearance for the club. One of the more high-profile exits came very late in the window, as academy graduate James Wilson joined Tottenham Hotspur on loan with an option to buy. The 18-year-old striker moved south to continue his development at under-21 level in England. Hearts’ January window was more about smart adjustments than headline moves. Additions were made across defence, midfield and attack, while outgoing loans gave players the chance to play regularly elsewhere. It all pointed to a club thinking sensibly about the present while keeping one eye on the months ahead in their title charge.

February 2, 2026

Hearts Youngster Wilson set for Premier League Move

Tottenham Hotspur have agreed to take James Wilson on loan from Hearts till the end of the season, with an option to buy. The 18-year-old managed six goals in thirty-three appearances last season, but has fallen down the pecking order under Derek McInnes, featuring just six times. Arsenal were reported to offer similar interest, offering a trial for the youngster, but Hearts have instead opted for Wilson to join Thomas Frank’s side. The Premier League interest took McInnes by surprise, he told Sky Sports Scotland earlier this week. “He’s been restricted with minutes this season. It’s tough to get into the first team at this age,” “Would we see the benefit of a loan? Yes, to get some minutes. But this one was a wee bit left-field.”

February 2, 2026

Hearts Claim 3–0 Victory Over Dundee United at Tannadice

Hearts extend their lead at the top of the table with a win over Dundee United. It was a clinical night for Heart of Midlothian at Tannadice as they came away with a convincing 3-0 victory over Dundee United, consolidating their grip at the top of the Premiership table. The Jambos made a positive start and opened the scoring in the 11th minute. Pierre Landry Kaboré found space inside the box, after a cross from Harry Milne and he finished from close range saw them go 1-0 up. Dundee United enjoyed spells of possession and attempted to build play, but struggled to convert that control into clear scoring opportunities. Amar Fatah was sent off for the home side after a challenge on Marc Leonard. The decision was originally given as a yellow but referee Calum Scott was sent to the monitor and the card was upgraded to red. Hearts then doubled their lead through a penalty. Claudio Braga was brought down in the box by Ryan Strain. Alexandros Kyziridis stepped up with a right footed shot and scored. United attempted to respond before the interval, pushing players higher up the pitch, but they were unable to test the Hearts goalkeeper in any meaningful way. The pattern of the game remained largely unchanged after the break. Dundee United continued to work the ball forward but struggled to break down a compact Hearts back line. Hearts were content to manage the game with their 2-0 lead. In the 75th minute Panutche Camará saw red, a second sending off for Dundee United this time for violent conduct against Marc Leonard. Kabore got his third goal of the evening after 81 minutes a left footed shot into the right side of goal and that sealed the game for McInnes’ side. Despite their efforts, Dundee United were unable to trouble the scoreboard. Hearts leave Tannadice with a clean sheet and all three points. Dundee United: Maynard-Brewer (4), Cleall- Harding (5), Graham (4), Keresztes (3), Strain (5), Stephenson (4), Sibbald (4), Ferry (5), Fatah (2), Möller (4), Trapanovski (4) Substitutions: Farrugia (3), Sapsford (4), Camara (2), Stirton (3) Hearts: Schwolow (7), Milne (8), Findlay (7), Halkett (7), Altena (7), Kyziridis (8), Magnusson (6), Leonard (8), McEntee (7), Braga (7), Kabore (9) Substitutions: McCart (6), Steinwender (5), Kerjota (6), Ageu (6), Mato (5)

February 1, 2026

McInnes Previews Dundee United

Hearts will make the trip up to Tannadice to face Dundee United in an 8pm kick off. This is the third time the two sides have met with Hearts winning the first game 3-2 and the second meeting ended in a 1-1 draw. Derek McInnes spoke to the media ahead of their game saying: “We’ve had a couple tough games against United, a late winner and deserve no more than a point at Tynecastle. I didn’t think we were great in that game”. “Whereas I thought we deserved the win up there. Albeit, the winner comes a bit late”. “That day the pitch was pristine, sunshine. A brilliant advert for the Scottish game, obviously the nature in the back end of January the pitch won’t be perfect. It’s just the way it is for lots of clubs at the minute”. “I know Dundee United are desperate to get the game on, as we are. Looking forward to it”. “Nonetheless, it will be a tough game there’s three point available and we are well aware of each game and their importance”. Hearts are still without a lot of player due to injury and Beni Baningime is suspended for this game also. The Jambos announced mid week the signing of Rodgers Mato. He joins this side on loan for the remainder of the season before his official three year contract begins in July.

January 31, 2026

“If We Show More Quality, We Win The Game” – Derek McInnes

Hearts manager Derek McInnes feels his side lacked a percentile in quality needed to win in their 2-2 home draw with Celtic. The league leaders came from behind twice against the defending champions to earn a point, with the second equaliser coming once Celtic were reduced to ten men following a red card to defender Austin Trusty. And McInnes feels that his team’s chance creation and control of the game was best of the two sides. He said: “There’s two sides to it. I think when you come from behind twice against a team of Celtic’s quality, there’s always a bit of pride and you want your players to show a bit of perseverance that we did. “But I do think in terms of chances created and how the game played out, I thought we had the better, and more, chances to win the game. “Celtic had a tough game on Thursday night and I think that factored into them, but I thought our energy that we put into the game, our connection from everybody really in terms of effort was there. “And I spoke at half-time to try bring a bit more quality – and if we show more quality, we win the game. We’ve not won the game because of that.” McInnes was irate after Celtic’s opener with a member of Celtic staff’s reaction, which seen the Hearts manager inside the Hoops dugout. The 54-year-old was coy to delve deeper into the incident, but did explain briefly. “That’s one place I’ll not be going! [The Celtic dugout] “It’s nothing to do with Martin [O’Neill] or Shaun [Maloney], it was just one of their inexperienced coaches that got a bit carried away. “That’s all I want to say on it.” Hearts were without captain and top goalscorer Lawrence Shankland today as well as midfield duo Beni Baningime and Cammy Devlin, and McInnes was pleased that their absences were not too hard felt. “There’s no two ways about it, on Sunday/Monday we were all a bit despondent when we get the news on injuries, but overcoming these challenges is part of it. “It’s good that we’ve got boys that have been waiting on the sidelines who played their part today, like [Landry] Kabore who makes us play a bit differently.” Hearts remain six points ahead of Celtic but Rangers reduced their lead at the summit to four points after defeating Dundee 3-0 at Ibrox. The Jambos boss is relishing the title race as the season moves into it’s final fifteen games. “I’m delighted we are where we are. We’ve been there a while now, I think it’s four months now, it’s not a purple patch. “I’m enjoying where we are, but we are well aware that there’s big clubs and good teams are desperate to be where we are, and we’ve got to be ready for that challenge as we go along.” Hearts have three away games in their next four, starting with a trip to Tannadice this Saturday. Their next three games after come against St. Mirren away, Hibs at home and Rangers away. Coming out of these with as few battle scars as possible, might be the difference in a potential historic Heart of Midlothian season.

January 25, 2026

Hearts 2-2 Celtic: Fiery Drama at Tynecastle Cauldron Ends Even

Hearts came back from behind twice to earn a point in a 2-2 epic against title holders Celtic. Benjamin Nygren gave Celtic the lead from a free-kick inside seven minutes, before second half goals from Stuart Findlay and Claudio Braga either side of a Hyun-jun Yang tap in ensured both sides left Tynecastle with a share of the points. It is the second time in three days Celtic have drawn 2-2 with a man down, after defender Austin Trusty was shown a straight red before Hearts’ second equaliser. Nygren’s opener came inside seven minutes after he was fouled by Hearts debutant Marc Leonard on the edge of the box. The Swede stepped up, and curled one into the top right corner to become joint top scorer of the Premiership so far this season. It is the first time Celtic have scored a direct free kick in the league since January 2021, when David Turnbull netted against Hibs. Landry Kabore felt he should have had a penalty 23 minutes in after he went down dragging an effort way wide. No VAR check was required however, despite a swarm of protests from the Hearts players and fans. The hosts were gifted a golden opportunity to restore parity with around ten minutes of the half remaining. Austin Trusty failed to play a bouncing ball back to his goalkeeper with his knee or thigh which slipped Alexandros Kyziridis through one on one. The Greek winger could not beat the extended leg of Kasper Schmeichel, who produced a fantastic save to keep his side in front. The equaliser would come for Hearts though three minutes after the restart. Debutant Leonard’s inswinging corner to the back post was met by Stuart Findlay, as the centre half rose highest to nod home his sixth goal of the season. Kyziridis had the chance to make amends for his glaring miss 55 minutes in when a flicked-on header fell into his path, but a last-ditch tackle from Liam Scales inside the area brought the Hearts attack to a halt. Just as the hosts looked to have gained the upper-hand on the defending champions, they were stung by a Hyun-jun Yang tap in. After tremendous combination play from Daizen Maeda and new signing Tomas Cvancara down the left hand side, the Czech forward put it on a plate for Yang to fire Celtic ahead with less than half an hour to go. It came just a minute or two following Cvancara having a looping header hit Craig Gordon’s crossbar, and a minute or two before the new recruit was booked and subsequently subbed off. Quite the five minutes for the attacker. Audible disbelief could be heard around Tynecastle when referee Steven McLean brandished a yellow card for Austin Trusty after he brought down Landry Kabore with around fifteen minutes to play. He was sent to the VAR monitor and would send Trusty off, wit the American adjudged to be the last man and denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity. Celtic had just brought off an injured Kieran Tierney for Dane Murray a moment prior, with Anthony Ralston then being brought on for Yang to further re-arrange an already makeshift backline. With less than seven minutes to play there was a scramble inside the Celtic box that you were just anticipating to be brought to an end by the sound of Hearts fan raptures. A point-blank stop from Schmeichel again nearly creeped beyond him, but the Dane and Arne Engels made sure it only went passed for a corner. But the league leaders would level proceedings with three minutes of regulated time to go. Oisin McEntee headed down a ball from a set-play, and Claudio Braga was in the right place to unleash a rocket passed Schmeichel to give the home side the equaliser just before the fourth official’s board confirmed an additional eight minutes to play. Blair Spittal clipped the bar deep into injury time after the ball fell to him first time just outside the box. It was always rising, but hearts would have been in the mouths of many a Celtic supporter. The draw means that things only get tighter at the top of the table. Celtic are now third still six points behind leaders Hearts, but a win for Rangers over Dundee means the Ibrox side sit second now four points behind the Jambos. Celtic have European matters to take of at home to Utrecht on Thursday before they are back in action domestically at home to Falkirk on Sunday. As for Hearts, they are on the road Saturday as they will hope to seize the opportunity of going further ahead of Celtic before they play, travelling to Tannadice to face Dundee United. HEARTS: Gordon 5, Halkett 7, McCart 5 (McEntee 71’ 3), Braga 7, Kabore 5 (Wilson 90+4 1), Steinwender 4 (Spittal 86’ 1), Milne 5, Findlay 6, Magnusson 4 (Kerjota 71’ 2), Leonard 5, Kyziridis 5 CELTIC: Schemichel 7, Scales 6, Trusty 3, Nygren 6, Cvancara 5 (Tounekti 60’ 2), Yang 5 (Ralston 77’ 2), Araujo 6, Engels 6, Maeda 4, McGregor 5, Tierney 5 (Murray 73’ 1)

January 25, 2026

Homecoming Move: Hearts Bring Back Marc Leonard

Heart of Midlothian have added a familiar face to their squad after confirming the loan signing of Marc Leonard until the end of the season. The midfielder’s return to Tynecastle could be crucial, with injuries and suspensions affecting options in the middle of the park. Originally part of the club’s youth setup, Leonard left Scotland as a teenager to continue his development in England. A spell with Brighton’s academy helped shape his career before making his mark at Northampton Town. During his time there, he became a consistent starter, playing over 100 matches. Those performances eventually earned him a permanent move to Birmingham City. Opportunities have been harder to come by this season in the Championship, with most appearances coming from the bench. Experience north of the border should help him settle quickly, and there’s clearly motivation to prove a point back where it all started. Leonard spoke to Hearts media as part of his announcement, where he said, “Once I spoke to the manager. I knew that this was the place for me to come back” “I was over the moon, the conversation went really well and I’m so glad I’m here” He will be available against Celtic this weekend and is likely to make his first professional appearance in Maroon to cover the sparse midfield area.

January 23, 2026

Top but Still Underdogs: Hearts Eye Celtic

Derek McInnes has been interviewed ahead of a title fighting game this weekend. The Jambos will host Celtic on Sunday as the two sides are separated by only 6 points at the top of the Scottish Premiership. He said “Obviously it’s a big game on Sunday, we’ve still got a lot going for us with the squad and it’s not all doom and gloom. I need to stress that” “Injuries are part and parcel, losing key players is part and parcel and I don’t want anyone from a Hearts persuasion to lose any sort of hope or optimism” “It’s a brilliant game to be involved in and we are really looking forward to it” “So whatever Hearts team gets put out we will be ready for Celtic, and ready to compete. Just as we’ve always been” “We will always probably be seen as the underdog even though we are top of the league” “Last time out, maybe there was some of you guys (media) and some people out there last time we played Celtic, thought Hearts had a right good chance of winning it” “We believe we can win the game on Sunday, regardless of who’s fit and who’s not” The Edinburgh side have won both previous games against Celtic this season, and this will be the 3rd different Celtic manager they have faced across those games.

January 22, 2026

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