Hearts Archives - Page 2 of 10

Hearts: McInnes Provides Injury Update Ahead Of Livingston Match

Derek McInnes has provided an injury update ahead of his squads clash against Livingston on Sunday. The Hearts boss said “Kingsley is back in and Halkett’s fine after missing last time out with his back” “Magnusson has been training, and he had a mask fitted and was training absolutely fine. But, he has picked up a thigh strain now, doing some shooting on Wednesday.” “He will miss the game, we will get a bit further investigation on him and see how he is” “Harry (Milne) and Stu (Stuart Findlay) are progressing well. The game will come too quick for Harry. But we might have a chance of Stu being involved” “He’s had a good week’s work with the medical team and will train tomorrow” Positive updates from the manager ahead of this game where the Jambos will take 7000 fans through to Livingston. Last time the two sides met at the Home of the Set Fare Arena was in August and ended in a 2-1 victory to Hearts. The league leaders are currently on 66 points with Rangers a close second on 63. They have been top of the league since the end of September but with Rangers playing on saturday we could see a shift for the first time in over 6 months.

April 4, 2026

Derek McInnes highlights the fans impact ahead of Kilmarnock

Derek McInnes spoke to the media as his side makes the journey to Kilmarnock this weekend in the hopes of extending their lead at the top of the table. McInnes said “The fans will be in fine form. I mean there is no two ways about it” “I think we could play at 4 in the morning, and I think our fans would be there. That’s the way it feels at the minute” “We feel as if they just want to follow us, and the backing we get home and away has been first class this season” “So when we run out at Rugby Park for the warm up and the lads see that, it feels like a big game right away.” “It also feels like a big game for the opponents and it feels like a cup tie.” “A lot of our better moments have been, so many at Tynecastle but a lot of the good memories already this season and the good moments have been away from home” “Saturday is going to be another opportunity to have that” The Jambos are currently 6 points clear of Rangers in the title race with Celtic 8 points behind in third. As the Hearts head coach travels to face his old team with only 9 games remaining in the league it holds immense pressure to win and push his side to winning the title.

March 14, 2026

“We could play at four in the morning and our fans would be there” – McInnes

Amid rising title talk, Derek McInnes insists Hearts have to “concentrate on winning games of football” when they resume their campaign against Kilmarnock on Saturday evening. Addressing the media on Thursday, McInnes observed a sense of “calm” within the squad ahead of a defining run of games. “It’s down to the efforts of the players, how well they’ve done. The focus has been great. The last couple of games have really pleased us in the sense that we’ve got the desired outcome. “But the performances have been good as well. We just need to refocus on the next challenge.” “If we can replicate a lot of what we’ve done between the start of the season and now, then we’ll put ourselves in with a chance. But with nine games to go, there’s still almost a quarter of the season, 27 points to win, 27 points that you can lose.” McInnes revealed stalwarts Cammy Devlin and Lawrence Shankland will return to full training next week, but the Kilmarnock match will come “too soon” for both players. The manager also lauded the support of the travelling Gorgie fans, 5000 of whom will pack out the Rugby Park away end. “We feel as if they just want to follow us, and the backing we get home and away has been first class this season, and they’ve got a huge part to play, so when we run out at Rugby Park for the warm up, and the lads see that it feels like a big game right away.” Hearts face Kilmarnock on Saturday evening, looking to maintain their lead at the summit of the Scottish Premiership.

March 12, 2026

Hearts edge past Aberdeen to extend gap to seven points at the top

A Claudio Braga first half goal gets Hearts over the line and extends the gap at the top of the league to seven points ahead of tomorrow’s Old Firm clash at Ibrox. Aberdeen were on the front foot right away and were awarded a free-kick from outside the box following a foul on Olusanya but a Nisbet strike struck the Hearts wall. Keskinen moments later with a darting run down the left flank who put it into Olusanya but failing to connect. Milne with a great cross into the box found Magnusson but his header going just wide of target after four minutes. Milne again with a brilliant ball into the box where Claudio Braga met but again just firing wide of goal as Hearts continued to threat Mitov in goals. Kyziridis had a chance from a very difficult angle soon on but wasn’t causing Mitov any issues as it goes just over the bar. Kabore with a gem of a chance, through on goal with just Mitov to beat, chipped the ball but went jusr inches wide of target – a chance he had to take. Aberdeen with a chance after 25 minutes as Keskinen with a darting run down the wing, a through ball into Olusanya who was put off by McCart as he couldn’t hit target. Kabore did brilliantly to get past Morrison who squared the ball into Braga who calmly slotted home to continue their title charge. Hearts had a chance nine minutes before the break, Spittal with a curling effort from the edge of the box which fired just high of goal. Into the second 45, Devlin had chance to level the game but his chance being blocked and out for a corner. A ball in from Cameron found Nisbet deep in the box with his volley striking wide of target. Spittal had another chance from the edge of bos which curled towards goal but a save to Mitov to deny Hearts a second as Kabore moments later had another chance which was stopped by the legs of Aberdeen’s number one. After the hour mark, Braga with a ball across to Kyziridis with his effort going across goal again which found Braga once again with his effort being a simple save for Mitov. A quiet second half Aberdeen just unable to test Schwolow in goals as Hearts doing well to see out the game. Substitute Chesnokov had a strike from inside the box but well blocked to deny Hearts a second. As the full-time whistle goes, a Braga first half goal gives Hearts the deserved three points as Hearts stretch their lead to seven points as Aberdeen’s winless run at Tynecastle continues. Hearts: Schwolow (7), Steinwender (7), Halkett (7), McCart (7), Milne (7), Kyziridis (8), Magnusson (7), Leonard (7), Spittal (7), Braga (9), Kabore (7). Substitutes: Kent )6), Baningime (6), Chesnokov (6). Aberdeen: Mitov (6), Devlin (5), Morrison (5), Milne (6), Molloy (6), Shinnie (5), Olusanya (4), Geiger (6), Cameron (6), Keskinen (6), Nisbet (6). Substitutes: Nilsen (6), Frame (6), Armstrong (6), Lobban (6), Lazetic (6).

February 28, 2026

League Leader Hearts welcome struggling Aberdeen to Tynecastle

Hearts meet Aberdeen in the Capital tomorrow as Hearts look to extend their gap at the top with Aberdeen looking to end their winless run at Tynecastle. Aberdeen were the first side to hand out defeat to Hearts this campaign as a Topi Keskinen strike from the edge of the box gave Aberdeen a huge 1-0 win back in November which saw Hearts defeated for the first time in this season. The two sides also met on opening day at Tynecastle where Hearts began there sensational season with a 2-0 win with a Shinnie own-goal and Stuart Findlay header sealing the win for the Jambos. Last time out for the hosts, they defeated Falkirk narrowly with a 1-0 win on home soil against Falkirk. Islam Chesnokov grabbed his first goal in maroon just before the half-time interval helping Hearts move further away from both Celtic and Rangers who both dropped points on Sunday against Hibernian and Livingston respectfully. Aberdeen were in action on Tuesday in their re-arranged game with Dundee United at Tannadice as it ended up being a dull goalless draw in the City of Discovery. The pitch didn’t help neither teams in any way with recent rainfall in the city but a strong second half display by the Dons gave them some positives but still unable to find the back of the net which saw Aberdeen remain 8th behind Dundee United. Hearts have netted on seven occasions in their last five whereas Aberdeen have scored four in their last five. Hearts have only been defeated at home once this campaign which was their Scottish Cup exit to Falkirk following a penalty shootout defeat. Aberdeen have failed to win on their travels since the start of December in a 3-1 win at Dens Park with no away goal since just before Christmas as Bilalovic netted away to Celtic. Hearts have had issues in terms of injuries as both Shankland and Devlin are set to remain out. Craig Gordon will also miss out with a shoulder injury, Oisin McEntee misses also with a shoulder injury and Stuart Findlay looks likely to miss out after an injury picked up against Falkirk. Nieuwenhof, Ageu and Kingsley also miss out. For Aberdeen, they have issues at the back with both Gyamfi, Tobers and Knoester all out with McIntyre joining that list after going off at Tannadice. Nick Suman also remains out through injury.

February 27, 2026

Hearts loanee given unique derby experience after Tottenham move

New Tottenham Hotspur boss Igor Tudor promoted Hearts loanee James Wilson to the bench after the youngster impressed the Spurs management team ahead of the North London Derby. Despite not featuring in the match against Arsenal, the 18-year-old would have gained a new viewpoint of one of English football’s biggest games. Missing several players through injury, Tudor may turn to the Scotland international in the coming months. Wilson had endured a frustrating start to the season for Hearts. But after two appearances for Tottenham’s U-21’s side, he was thrust into the match squad against their bitter rivals. Quite the turn of events for a player who fell down the pecking order in the Gorgie ranks. Despite preferring the likes of Claudio Braga and Pierre Landry Kabore, Derek McInnes had advised that he did not want the youngster to make the London move. James wanted to go, so you don’t want to keep a player who then becomes unhappy,” said McInnes. “I couldn’t guarantee him minutes, such is the way it’s been. I told him and his agent that our preference was to stay, fight for his place, be part of something. “We’d get him a loan in Scotland if need be, to top his minutes up, and we can maybe recall him – still get the best of both worlds. “But his head was turned with the Tottenham thing. First it was Arsenal, then Arsenal went quiet, and then all of a sudden, Tottenham came to the table. “I don’t think it’s the right move for him. Ultimately, it’s academy football and I think he’s better than that. But it was something James wanted to do. “I hope it goes well for him because he’s a great kid. We’ll see how it plays out. I just need to concentrate on the players who are here and who want to be here and play their part.” The move may turn fortuitous for the Hearts Academy graduate, who may feature on the Premier League stage before the end of the season.

February 24, 2026

“I Can’t Dress It Up, It’s a Huge Blow For Us” – McInnes On Ageu as Injuries Pile Up

Hearts manager Derek McInnes labelled club record signing Ageu’s injury as a ‘huge blow’ following his side’s 1-0 win over Falkirk today. The Brazilian was due to start, but had to be replaced by Blair Spittal just minutes ahead of kick-off due to an injury sustained in the warm-up. And his manager is concerned about the impact his injury could have in addition to a growing list of missing players. “It was far from ideal for Ageu.” McInnes said post match. “The boy is distraught because I thought he would be playing in a position today that suits him today against a team who have a more technical game. “He has a thigh issue, he felt it shooting in the warm-up. We will get it assessed, probably have to get it scanned, but I can’t dress it up it’s a huge blow for us.” The 23-year-old has only made one start since arriving in Edinburgh last summer, with injuries wreaking havoc on the attacker’s season so far. But he is not the only player in Gorgie on the physio bed, with Derek McInnes also explaining Beni Baningime’s absence today. “He just felt his knee. “It settled really quickly, he can sprint fully, it’s just a wee bit of discomfort when he’s trying to change direction. “We think that will settle through treatment this week and hopefully he will be available, we’ve got six centre midfield players injured.” Stuart Findlay also had to be subbed off late on, but McInnes has belief that his central defender will be alright for next week. “I just always assume Stu’s going to be alright. “He’s been toiling a wee bit, we’ve been trying to get him through to next week’s game hopefully. “He’s not really trained this week, [Craig] Halkett’s been struggling a wee bit as well, so we are just trying to get them through these game’s just now and they can get that rest after the Aberdeen game.” Hearts host Aberdeen next week, before having a luxury of a weekend off amid a minor injury crisis due to their elimination from the Scottish Cup, whilst league rivals Rangers and Celtic face off against each other in an Ibrox quarter-final.

February 21, 2026

Match Report: Hearts 1-0 Falkirk

The Bairns traveled through to Edinburgh this afternoon to face Heart of Midlothian in round 28 of the Scottish Premiership. Falkirk got off to a quick start a left footed shot from Brad Spencer after 3 minutes was just wide of the post. Kyrell Wilson was next to test the Jambos with a shot outside of the box but it was comfortably saved by Schwolow Hearts had a chance with Alexandros Kyziridis as he cuts inside but the shot is deflected and then saved by Scott Bain. Blair Spittal had an opportunity from a free kick however it was blocked. The scoring was opened in the 45th minute a good ball through from Kyziridis finds Islam Chesnokov and a left footed shot finds the back of the net to make it 1-0 for the Jambos. Into the second half Hearts had a good opportunity through Claudio Braga and the shot just trickled wide of the right post. Falkirk were not giving up their fight either, a cross into the box from the left is sent out by Craig Halkett at full stretch. A moment of concern for the Jambos as he looks to be injured but after some minor treatment he was back up and going again. The corner was taken and a very close range shot for John McGlynn’s side a bit of a scuffle in the box and Schwolow has to tip the ball over the bar. The final opportunity of the afternoon came from the home side a free kick outside the box and Kyziridis steps up a strong shot and Scott Bain makes another important save. Another 3 point for the Jam Tarts and they are now 5 point clear at the top of the league. Celtic and Rangers play tomorrow and have an opportunity to hunt them down . Hearts- Schwolow (8), Halkett (8), Braga (7), Steinwender (7), Milne (8), Findlay (7), Magnusson (7), Spittal (7), Leonard (8), Kyziridis (7), Chesnokov (9). Substitutions- Kabore (5), Altenta (5), McCart (5) Falkirk- Bain (6), Adams (6), McCann (6), Donaldson (5), Spencer (5), Broggio (6), Stewart (5), Tait (6), Wilson (7), Lissah, (6), Miller (6) Substitutions- Marsh (5), Cartwright (6), Allan (5), Ross (5), Williams (6)

February 21, 2026

McInnes Warns of “Difficult Game” as Hearts Aim to Stay Top Against Falkirk

Derek McInnes caught up with the media ahead of Hearts’ game against Falkirk on Saturday. He said “They’re [Falkirk] a good side. We’ve had two big league wins against them this season but we’ve had to do so well in both of them.” “I thought our home game against them earlier in the season was as good as we’ve played. I thought we were very good.” “The away game, with the conditions, it was difficult and obviously they have managed to beat us on penalties in the cup recently.” “So we are well aware, I think they’ve been brilliant value. I thought they would have been, I said that before the first game and nothing has changed my mind.” “I think they have got good energy, good speed in how they play, and well managed, so it’s a difficult game for us.” “But as I say, to get to where we want to get to and for us to stay top of the league, we are going to have to play well and hopefully Saturday’s another demonstration of that.” Both sides will head into this weekend’s game off the back of defeats. Hearts lost away to Rangers in a 4-2 thriller, and Falkirk dropped points to Dundee United at home in only their 4th home defeat this season.

February 20, 2026

“We are not going to go quietly” – McInnes upbeat despite Ibrox defeat

Hearts boss Derek McInnes believes there is “no shame” from his side’s thrilling 4-2 defeat against Rangers on Sunday afternoon, as their lead at the Scottish Premiership summit was cut to two points. Speaking at full-time, McInnes advised that he saw enough courage from his side’s performance ahead of the run-in. “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 of 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. McInnes was quick to point out the financial discrepancies between his side and Rangers. His side has punched above their weight this season, showcasing excellent fight, and creating an intriguing three horse race for the title. “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.” Hearts will return to Tynecastle, ahead of two huge home matches against Falkirk and Aberdeen, with eleven league matches remaining, it is crunch time for the title challengers. McInnes will hope his side can maintain the right with the Glasgow Giants as the split draws nearer.

February 16, 2026

Hearts