Hearts Archives - Page 5 of 8

“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

Hearts icon believes consistency is key as title talk grows for McInnes’ men

Ex-Hearts midfielder calls for focus and consistency as title talk grows amongst the Jam Tart faithful. Former Jambo star Ryan Stevenson has applauded the progress being made at Tynecastle but believes the team must stay grounded as excitement builds around Derek McInnes’ side. Writing in his column with the Daily Record, Stevenson said that while supporters are already looking ahead to the upcoming clash with Celtic, Hearts can’t afford to overlook the challenges that come before it: “Most fans have an eye on the Celtic game which is looming on Sunday week,” he explained. “But I can’t state enough how important it is to make sure the work is done successfully at Rugby Park beforehand.” The former midfielder suggested that the real test of character often comes in the less glamorous fixtures: He continued: “Games against Celtic or Rangers take care of themselves. “With the greatest of respect, you’re not exactly bouncing out of bed for a trip to play on the artificial pitch at Killie. But that’s where you find out what kind of team you are.” The 41-year-old also addressed talk of a potential title challenge, urging fans to keep expectations in check until Hearts prove their consistency: “I thought Hearts’ title talk could wait but win the next two and it’s complete and utter lift-off.” The former St Johnstone man’s comments show both optimism and caution, acknowledging the positive impact being made under McInnes while reminding everyone that success won’t come overnight. Stevenson believes the foundations are strong but insists the Gorgie boys must continue to show the same intensity and focus every week if they want to turn early promise into something lasting.

October 17, 2025

Hearts Scoop September Accolades after Impressive Showings

Derek McInnes has been named Manager of the Month for September as his positive tenure continues at Tynecastle. Victories over Rangers and Falkirk consolidated The Jambos’ position at the top of the league, remaining unbeaten in the Scottish Premiership. They recently edged the first Edinburgh Derby of the season to move onto 19 points, two ahead of nearest challengers Celtic. McInnes said, “I love it here, it been a long time for me coming here, I always thought this was a job that I wanted to be at, I’m working with some good people, Graeme Jones and the board, but the players have been first class, in terms of their efforts day in day out, and I think for us we feel that we can be successful here,”. Lawrence Shankland and Alexandros Kyziridis picked up personal accolades, as Hearts swept all of the September awards. Shankland won the player of the month, scoring three goals in two games, including a crucial brace against Rangers. The captain scored in each half, firing Hearts to their first victory over Rangers in 19 attempts, and their first Ibrox triumph since 2014. He also drilled a low strike under Scott Bain two weeks later, as part of a comfortable 3-0 home victory over Falkirk. Kyziridis is turning into a fan favourite in Gorgie and has started Hearts’ last three league matches since his injury-time winner over Livingston. He scooped up the September goal of the month award for a stunning strike against Falkirk. The Greek winger cut in off the left, beating several Falkirk bodies before unleashing an arrowing right-footed strike into the top corner. It was a strike worthy of winning goal of the season, and opened the scoring for McInnes’ men. The Jambos return to league action on Saturday evening, travelling to East Ayrshire to face Kilmarnock. Eight days later, Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic visit Tynecastle in a potential top-of-the-table clash.

October 14, 2025

Pierre Landry Kabore: Hearts’ newest international star?

Pierre Landry Kabore certainly made Burkina Faso’s qualifying round one people will never forget. The Hearts striker was brought on in the 62nd minute against Ethiopia on Tuesday and made an immediate impact scoring after just 3 minutes and ended the game with a hat trick. Kabore has only played one Premiership game this season for the Jambos playing for 45 minutes against Motherwell in their 3-3 draw back in August. The Burkina Faso international signed on a 3-year deal at Tynecastle and many Jam Tart fans have been eager to see what the future holds for him in the capital. The 24-year-old’s performance for his country demonstrates confidence, composure, and finishing instinct. Qualities that could translate well into the Scottish Premiership. Hearts have been hunting for a forward who brings newness and reliability in attack. Kabore’s international display suggests he has both. Of course, the step up to play for Derek McInnes’ men still presents its challenges of increased physicality, quicker tactical demands, and adapting to a new league. But scoring a hat-trick in a World Cup qualifier shows that he already has some of the mental and technical tools needed. If he can carry over that form and mindset from the international stage to his club performances, he has the potential to not just fit in at Hearts but to become a key piece in their push forward — someone who gives the team fresh attacking options and delivers when it counts most. Do you think he deserves a place in the Hearts squad this year?

October 13, 2025

Can Hearts win the Scottish Premiership?

Hearts have had an incredible start to the Scottish Premiership season as they currently sit top of the table unbeaten. Derek McInnes joined the Jambos four months ago and has been a revelation as they’ve beaten Rangers and Hibernian already this season. The Jam Tarts are two points ahead of Celtic and 11 clear of the Light Blues as both of the Old Firm are massively under performing. As McInnes’ men are on red hot form, there’s been bold predictions from fans and pundits alike that this could be the season a team outside of the Hoops and the Gers could win the league. The last time a team outside of Glasgow’s big two won the league was Sir Alex Ferguson’s Aberdeen in 1985. The Hearts boss has played down talk of his side being potential title challengers and is just taking each game as it comes. Social media content creator and long-life fan of the boys in Maroon ‘Hearts_Enthusiast’ Graeme Duthie spoke to SNN Sports about his team’s unbelievable start to the season: “It’s been a far better start than I think we could have imagined, 12 games in all competitions and only the defeat to St Mirren in the League Cup has been the only disappointment. “I think he has changed the mentality at the club and none more so than late winners against Dundee United, Livingston and the best one being Hibs. “He is going into every game to try and win it and not setting up thinking about trying to not lose. To be sitting top after only 7 league games is beyond any Hearts fans wildest dream.” Despite the excellent start to the campaign, Duthie added that the title may be too much of an ask this season as Brendan Rodgers’ men will more than likely strengthen in the January transfer window but believes finishing second is a strong possibility: “It’s been a far better start than I think we could have imagined, 12 games in all competitions and only the defeat to St Mirren in the League Cup has been the only disappointment. “I think he has changed the mentality at the club and none more so than late winners against Dundee United, Livingston and Hibs. “He is going into every game to try and win it and not setting up thinking about trying to note lose. “To be sitting top of the league after only seven league games is beyond any Hearts fans wildest dreams.” Despite the excellent start to the campaign, Duthie added that the title may be too much of an ask this season: “I don’t mind anyone whether it’s media or fans thinking it could happen as there is nothing wrong with showing ambition. “But personally, I don’t think we will as I think consistency is really important and over the course of the season I don’t see us being consistent. “I also think Celtic will get better as the season goes on and if come January we are still there near the top Celtic will go and spend money that we just can’t compete with. “Right now we have broken our transfer record with Ageu but if Celtic go and spend £7 million or more on a player we just can’t do that. “I think with the squad we have and the manager we have there’s every chance we could finish second but I think the title is something that might be out of our reach right now.”

October 8, 2025

Heroic Halkett Delivers Derby Delight for Hearts

Hearts 1-0 Hibernian Halkett (90+1′) A late Craig Halkett strike saw Derek McInnes’ Hearts move five points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership. The team emerged into a red-hot Tynecastle atmosphere. Harry Milne’s early free-kick deflected behind off Halkett in the game’s first opening. Hibs responded with their own free-kick shortly after, an inswinging ball dropped to Boyle at the back post, whose shot was blocked Meaty challenges were aplenty in a feisty first half. Claudio Braga was given a warm welcome to his first derby after colliding with Jordan Obita. The visitors were structured in defence and settled into the raucous environment. They recycled a free kick in the 15th minute, which eventually found its way to Obita, whose deflected volley arrowed wide. Alexandros Kyziridis’ screamer helped the Jambos on their way to a 3-0 victory over Falkirk last Saturday. He attempted a similar effort in the 22nd minute, which drifted inches over. The Greek winger delivered a teasing set piece minutes later, which bounced in the 6-yard box, but had no takers in maroon. Alexander Schwolow played in several hotly contested derbies during his Union Berlin days and was alert to collect the ball as Martin Boyle raced in on goal after the half-hour mark. The industrious Cammy Devlin was constantly involved in the first period, his cross almost dipped into Raphael Sallinger’s goal as the quest for the opening goal continued. Kyziridis released Braga into space on the left flank, but the attacker’s cross was behind captain Lawrence Shankland as the half drew to a close. Both teams were defensively solid, but would have to show more bravery in attack to force the opening goal Stephen Kingsley’s cross narrowly missed Milne at the back post, and Grant Hanley smothered a Devlin pass as McInnes’ men rallied for a goal in the second half. Hibs had a golden chance on the hour mark, as Boyle raced clear of the Hearts defence and audaciously dinked over Schwolow. The ball looked destined to find the back of the net, but was scrambled clear after caressing the crossbar. Hearts responded through Braga’s low strike, which was saved by Sallinger as Tynecastle intensified. The large away following filled the Roseburn Stand with green, and went ballistic after Boyle finished low past Schwolow in the 67th minute. However, the celebrations were cut abruptly short as the Hibs attacker was deemed offside. Both managers turned to their bench for the final ten minutes; the first goal would surely settle this frantic derby match. That goal came in the 91st minute. An inspired substitution by Derek McInnes saw Sabah Kerjota deliver a pinpoint cross for Craig Halkett to sidefoot home. In a match that lacked attacking quality, it was The Jambos’ central defender who applied the winning touch to seal derby delight for Gorgie. Hearts: Schwolow 6 McEntee 6 Halkett 7 Findlay 6 Kingsley 6 Milne 7 Baningime 6 Devlin 7 Kyziridis 7 Braga 6 Shankland 6 Substitutes: Kabangu 5 Steinwender 5 Kerjota 5 Forrest 5 Magnusson Hibernian: Sallinger 6 O’Hora 6 Hanley 7 Iredale 6 C Cadden 6 Mulligan 6 Barlaser 6 Campbell 6 Obita 6 Bowie 6 Boyle 7 Substitutes: McGrath 5 Klidje 5

October 3, 2025

Kyziridis-Inspired Hearts Record Comfortable Victory over Falkirk

Hearts 3 – 0 Falkirk Kyziridis (22′) Shankland (41′) Halkett (47′) A stunning Alexandros Kyziridis strike sent Hearts on their way to a comfortable 3-0 victory at Tynecastle, and to the summit of the Scottish Premiership. The game started at a frantic pace. Calvin Millar tested Alexander Schwolow with a low strike in the opening minute. The goalkeeper was making his first start at Tynecastle after his summer move from Union Berlin. Kyziridis was Hearts’ hero against Livingston 3 weeks ago, and was a constant thorn in the Falkirk side. His inventive cross narrowly evaded Craig Halkett as they searched for the opener. The home side eventually found a rhythm and created several chances in the opening exchanges. Stephen Kingsley stood up a deep cross to the backpost, which Harry Milne headed narrowly wide. The Jambos broke the deadlock after 23 minutes with a candidate for goal of the season. Kyziridis ventured in off the left, beating several white jerseys, and unleashing an arrowing strike past Bain into the top corner. It was a marvellous strike from the Greek winger, who looks to be brilliant business from the Tynecastle outfit. Falkirk occasionally showed signs of the football that secured back-to-back league titles under John McGlynn’s guidance. A clever forward pass by Spencer allowed McCann to sweep a low cross into the Hearts box, but Ross MacIver was unable to find the connection. The lead was doubled after 41 minutes. Lawrence Shankland picked up a loose ball on the edge of the box and drilled a low effort under Bain. The captain endured a somewhat difficult 2024 season, but looks back to his best under Derek McInnes with his third goal in two games. The halftime whistle brought thunderous applause from the home faithful. Hearts were fresh off a first Ibrox victory in 11 years, and were brimming with confidence against the Scottish Championship winners. The home side raced out of the blocks in the second half and added a third in the 47th minute. Kyziridis turned provider, delivering a dangerous corner kick for Craig Halkett to glance home. McGlynn’s team had started slowly against Hibernian on Tuesday evening and were being put to the sword against a dominant Hearts. They looked to respond, as Scott Arfield and Calvin Millar flashed shots wide. Shankland stung Bain’s palms, and Kingsley’s free-kick cannoned off the wall as Hearts searched for a 4th. Braga inspired a Hearts comeback draw against Motherwell last month, and blasted a shot straight at Bain as the game ticked towards the 70-minute mark. Schwolow was alert to tip Tait’s stinging effort away from goal in the 80th minute as McGlynn’s boys searched for a route back. Overall, it was a deserved victory for Derek McInnes’ team, who move top of the Scottish Premiership after Celtic’s goalless draw with Hibernian. Hearts welcome their rivals in the first Edinburgh Derby next Saturday evening. The Bairns return to the Falkirk Stadium a week on Sunday to face Russell Martin’s Rangers. Hearts: Schwolow 7 Kingsley 8 Halkett 7 Findlay 7 Milne 7 McEntee 7 Baningime 7 Devlin 8 Kyziridis 8 Braga 8 Shankland 7 Substitutes: Steinwender 6 Forrest 6 Magnusson 5 Kerjota 5 Falkirk: Bain 6 Adams 6 Henderson 5 Lissah 5 McCann 6 Spencer 6 Tait 6 Cartwright 6 Williams 6 Miller 6 MacIver 6 Substitutes: Arfield 6 Oliver 6 Hart 5 Ogunsuyi 5 Attendance: 18919

September 26, 2025

Hearts