Hearts Archives - Page 6 of 11

“We said at halftime, this can be done” – McInnes

Derek McInnes described his side’s 2-0 victory over St Mirren as “brilliant” as Hearts secured a second 10-man win in three days. His side survived 45 minutes with 10 men to beat Dundee on Sunday afternoon, butMcInnes believes this victory “tops it by a long way”. “We were in trouble. We got the experience on Sunday. We played similarly, although Dundee played a different shape to St Mirren.” “We were still carrying a threat with three at the top of the pitch to try and carry a threat, give us a bit of oxygen, give us a bit of relief. The three lads, Lawrence, Claudio, and Kyzi, carried a fight for us and gave us some good moments, but without scoring the goal.” Beni Baningime’s late challenge on Ronald Idowu gave the Jambos a mountain to climb in the 15th minute, but once more, they rose from the canvas to deliver a crucial victory, maintaining their six-point gap at the summit of the Scottish Premiership. “Beni Baningime, who’s as popular a boy in that dressing room as anybody, is in tears. We had to help him out. We had to dig ourselves out of a bit of trouble.” “With 10 men against a team like St Mirren, it’s not always easy. We thought we had enough encouragement at times, we had a couple of good opportunities, good breaks.” “It’s a great bit of play in the lead-up to Lawrence’s goal where the captain sets the right tone, gets the goal and then we have something to hang on to.” “That’s due to the effort of the lads. We can only set them up. I can only give them the instruction of what’s the best chance to get that clean sheet.” The win maintains their 100% winning start to 2026, keeping three clean sheets in the process. McInnes’ side have another quick turnaround, as they welcome Falkirk to Tynecastle for the Scottish Cup 4th Round on Saturday evening.

January 15, 2026

Craig Gordon – Hearts Hero?

Craig Gordon delivered yet another late-game moment of magic for Hearts last weekend, reminding everyone that age is just a number in football. In a tense Scottish Premiership battle at Dens Park, Hearts went ahead through Claudio Braga’s strike, but they were soon reduced to ten men after first-choice keeper Alexander Schwolow was sent off just before half-time. That’s when Gordon, now 43 and making his first appearance this season, was called into action and he stepped up to the challenge with a good save just before the end of the half. But it was stoppage time when the magic happened. Dundee were desperately pushing for an equaliser, and Gordon produced a stunning reflex save to claw away Emile Acquah’s downward header and secure a priceless 1-0 victory for Hearts. It was a moment of brilliance that preserved all three points and kept Hearts firmly in the title hunt and it may prove to be the pivotal moment for the Jambos come the end of the season. What made the save so special wasn’t just the timing in those dying seconds of a crucial match but also the sheer athleticism on display from the goalkeeper. After coming on from the bench and immediately having to deal with pressure moments, Gordon showed the kind of sharp reactions that defy expectations at his age. Fans and former players were quick to praise the Scotland international, comparing his late-game intervention to some of the greatest goalkeeping moments in the sport. Former Hearts player Ryan Stevenson said “Every player is running to congratulate Craig Gordon. That’s one of the best saves I’ve ever seen. Unbelievable”. That talk of “greatest saves” naturally brings us back to one of the defining moments of Gordon’s career, his incredible stop for Sunderland against Bolton Wanderers back in December 2010. In a Premier League match at the Stadium of Light, Gordon somehow managed to deny Bolton’s Zat Knight from point blank range in first-half stoppage time. That full-stretch save was later voted the best save in the first 20 years of the Premier League, an accolade that speaks volumes about its quality Craig Gordon continues to remind us why he’s one of the most respected goalkeepers of his generation and potentially a hero after Sunday’s game for Hearts.

January 14, 2026

Hearts Confirm Chesnokov Signing

Heart of Midlothian have completed the signing of Islam Chesnokov, with the Kazakhstan international officially joining the club ahead of the second half of the 2025/26 season. The 26-year-old arrives at Tynecastle after leaving FC Tobol Kostanay at the end of his contract. Hearts had agreed a pre-contract deal with Chesnokov in June 2025. The new signing primarily plays as a right-sided winger but is capable of playing across the forward line. He built a strong reputation at Tobol, where he was a regular starter and a consistent contributor. During his time at the club, he scored 29 goals in 92 games across all competitions. On the international stage, Chesnokov has 21 senior caps for the Kazakhstan national team, scoring 3 goals. The winger will wear squad number 99 and is expected to provide depth in wide attacking areas as Hearts continue their impressive domestic campaign so far. He joins an already strong attacking fleet of Lawrence Shankland, Alexandros Kyziridis and Claudio Braga, who have all been regular starters for Derek McInnes this season. Chesnokov becomes the Jambos’ second signing of the January transfer window after right back Jordi Altena completed his move last week.

January 6, 2026

Hearts 1-0 Livingston: Jambos Extend Premiership Lead with Narrow Victory

Hearts 1-0 Livingston Halkett (18′) Livingston made the journey to Tynecastle Park today to take on Heart of Midlothian in the Scottish Premiership. The last time these two sides met was in September at the Home of the Set Fare Arena where the Jambos won 2-1. Claudio Braga Alexandros Kyziridis with goals for Hearts and Lewis Smith scoring for the Lions. Today’s game sees the Jambos coming in off the back of a Derby day defeat away to Hibernian, and David Martindale’s side lost to Dundee United. The away side had the better start to the game, a shot from Scott Pittman just over the bar within the first 3 minutes. McInnes’ side had their first chance after 10 minutes, Tomas Magnusson with a left-footed shot but rolled wide of the post. Hearts went 1-0 up in 18 minutes, a header from Craig Halkett, crossed in by their newest signing Jordi Altena, who makes his debut. Halkett has now scored 6 goals for the Jam Tarts. A few VAR shouts throughout the game for the home side, 2 of which were for penalties, but were both cleared by the officials. Livingston were pressing to find a goal in the second half, a good chance from Mohammad Sylla, but it was headed right off the post. The game finished 1-0 to Hearts and puts them 6 points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership, with their next game on Sunday against Dundee. Livingston have yet to win a game since August, and they will face Kilmarnock at home on Saturday. Hearts: Schwolow (7), Altena (8), Halkett (8) Findlay (7), Milne (6), Baningime (7), Devlin (8), Magnusson (7), Braga (6), Kyziridis (7), Shankland (7). Substitutions: Steinwender (4), Kerjota (5), Kent (3) Livingston: Prior (5), Montano (5), Kabongolo (6), McGowan (6), Finlayson (6), Susoho (5), Sylla (6), Pittman (5), May (5), Yengi (6), McLennan (5). Substitutions: Lawal (5), Danso (3), Zimmerman (3), Muirhead (3)

January 3, 2026

Watt’s Rise, Derby Days, and Chasing the Jambos: SPFL Matchday 20 Breakdown

Scottish Premiership football returns for 2026 with an action-packed card on Saturday afternoon. Here are the key talking points to watch out for this weekend. Player to Watch: Elliot Watt Elliot Watt has evolved into a crucial cog in Jens Berthel Askou’s Fir Park machine. Having featured 25 times this term with four goal involvements, the midfielder has emerged as a standout in the Scottish Premiership. Following a loan spell at relegated St Johnstone last season, the former Burton Albion man has flourished for Motherwell, playing with a high level of consistency and maturity. With 2026 now underway, this could be a career-defining year for Watt. While Steve Clarke’s Scotland midfield seems settled, Watt’s current form suggests he could force his way into international contention. As Motherwell host St Mirren on Saturday, Watt will be important for the Steelmen, as they look to reclaim third place. Game of the Round: Celtic vs. Rangers The first domestic fixture of the year sees Scotland’s two powerhouses collide at Celtic Park, yet this episode carries a unique level of wonder, with both clubs in states of transition. Pressure is mounting on Wilfried Nancy. The Celtic boss has endured a chaotic start to his tenure, losing five of his opening seven matches. Despite claiming to see “good stuff” in their recent defeat to Motherwell, Nancy’s side missed the opportunity to move level with leaders Hearts. Conversely, Danny Rohl has steadied the ship at Ibrox. Since his arrival, he has reduced the gap to the summit from 13 points to six. He may have tasted defeat in his first derby during the League Cup semi-final, but a run of just one loss in eleven league matches has reignited a title charge that seemed impossible just months ago. Victory for either manager will be crucial for the remaining months of the season. Team in the Spotlight: Hearts The league leaders return to Tynecastle to host Livingston, desperate to banish the memory of their derby defeat at Easter Road last weekend. Having reached the midway point of the season at the summit of the Scottish Premiership, Derek McInnes will be keen for his side to maintain their challenge in 2026. They face a struggling Livingston side, but will be focused on extending their unbeaten home record. Victory could build further breathing space from the chasing pack, depending on the result at Celtic Park. The home side may be aided by their latest recruit, Spanish right-back Jordi Altena, who officially joined from the Dutch second division on January 1st.

January 2, 2026

Hearts Make January Transfer Window Move and Provide Imminent Arrival Update

Heart of Midlothian have announced the signing of Dutch right back Jordi Altena on a 3-year contract from RKC Waalwijk for an undisclosed fee, subject to SFA approval. The defender has played 21 matches so far this season, scoring twice and making 4 assists. Speaking to media today Derek McInnes said “The staff, we all liked what we saw from Jordi. “He’s somebody who’s got a lot of attacking threats from that full-back position and we were delighted to get him” Hearts have a second player due to sign at beginning of January in Islam Chesnokov. The Kazakhstan international has been a highly anticipated signing for the Gorgie side. He originally agreed terms with the Jambos at the beginning of the season but has had some set backs with clearance. McInnes says “Islam will fly in on Friday, ahead of the game. He’ll be at Tynecastle on Saturday” ”It is probably going to be two or three days before we can get him registered. That part of it we can control.” “Looking forward to eventually getting him here, I think he is probably the player that I’ve spoken most about in my career as a manager, and haven’t got to meet him yet.” The league leaders have been linked to a further two signings already ahead of the January transfer window, but no official statements have been made. Hearts will face Livingston this weekend at Tynecastle and may have the option of a new face within the team if approval is granted.

December 30, 2025

Hibernian 3-2 Hearts: Hibs survive late comeback to secure victory in derby thriller

Hibernian 3-2 Hearts McGrath (3′) Campbell (45′) Bowie (48′) Shankland (75′) Devlin (89′) Hibs held off a late Hearts comeback to secure bragging rights in the Edinburgh Derby in a pulsating game of Scottish Premiership action. Hibs burst into life after two minutes. A sweeping Nicky Cadden delivery from the left was poked home by McGrath from the penalty spot, giving David Gray a dream start The strike invigorated the home side and their noisy support base. Alexander Schwolow easily gathered Kieron Bowie’s dipping strike from the edge of the box as they looked. for a second. The visitors seemed startled from their opponent’s electric start, epitomised by Oisin McEntee, who let a simple pass roll off his foot, and out for a Hibs throw. Lawrence Shankland went close to levelling proceedings after meeting Stephen Kingsley’s deep cross, but his cushioned header across goal narrowly missed Raphael Sallinger’s right post. McEntee glanced at Kingsley’s next delivery from a promising free-kick position wide as they continued to grow into the game. Hibs reestablished a foothold in the match and doubled their lead on the halftime mark. Clever play by McGrath saw him beat McEntee on the Hibs left. His left-footed cross from the byline was glanced across the goal by substitute Josh Campbell, nestling in the bottom corner. There had been pre-match chants of “we shall not be moved” by the travelling contingent, but at the moment, they certainly looked shaken. McInnes demanded a reaction from his side, making a double change for the second half. The calm presence of Beni Baningime and the wide threat of Harry Milne were introduced as they searched for a way back. But they were caught out defensively three minutes after the restart. Mulligan charged down Stuart Findlay’s clearance, allowing Bowie to poke the ball past Craig Halkett on the edge of the box, and curl a left-footed strike into Schwolow’s far post. The Scottish striker had missed a golden chance moments earlier, but his latest effort may have been the final nail in the coffin for the league leaders. Hibs were brimming with confidence and nearly added a 4th. Mulligan marauded towards the goal after pinching the ball from Stuart Findlay, but his shot sailed wide when perhaps he should have squared. Hearts had a mountain to climb, but McInnes continued to encourage his men. The Jambos rescued a point from a 3-0 deficit against Motherwell in August, offering a glimmer of hope to the travelling support. Alexandros Kyziridis had endured a quiet afternoon, but burst into life in the 67th minute. After cutting in from the left, he delivered a curling right-foot strike which Sallinger beat away. Shankland pulled one back for Hearts in the 77th minute after glancing home a Kyzridis cross. The header was 10th of the season, and may have sparked a late comeback for the visitors. Substitute Sabah Kerjota’s inswinging cross curled narrowly wide of the far post as they searched for a second goal. Cammy Devlin added Hearts’ second with two minutes to play. Sallinger could only palm Kyziridis’ strike into the path of the Australian midfielder, who rolled home from close range. They looked destined to level proceedings moments later. Kyziridis continued to pose a danger to the Hibs backline. After beating a Hibs jersey on the left, he drilled a low cross for Shankland to stab towards goal. But Sallinger was alert, making up for his earlier blunder with a point-blank save. Hibs held on to secure the three points, bouncing back from their derby defeat in October. It was a gripping contest, and the perfect way for David Gray and his side to round out 2025. Hibernian: Sallinger 6 O’Hora 7 Hanley 7 Iredale 8 Megwa 7 Barlaser 7 Mulligan 9 N Cadden 7 McGrath 9 Boyle 8 Bowie 8 Substitutes: Campbell 6 Newell 6 C Cadden 6 Klidje 6 Hearts: Schwolow 6 Steinwender 5 Halkett 5 Findlay 5 Kingsley 6 McEntee 4 Devlin 6 Magnusson 6 Kyziridis 6 Braga 5 Shankland 6 Substitutes: Milne 6 Baningime 6 Kabangu 6 Kerjota 6

December 27, 2025

“It’s an honour to be involved in these games” – Stuart Findlay

In the cauldron of Tynecastle Park, it was the calm head of Stuart Findlay that sent the Jambos on their way to back-to-back wins over rivals Rangers, and for the Hearts defender, the latest victory is a “testament” to the hard work of his teammates and manager. Speaking to the media at full-time, Findlay was “satisfied” with his side’s 12th league win of the season. “We knew how much was on the game today. There was no getting away from that. Rangers have been slowly chipping away with wins every week, and we knew they were going to be a difficult game. They’ve not lost an away game in over a year. We were under no illusions about how hard it was going to be.” “I thought we weathered the first 10, 15 minutes, they came out, probably the better side to start with. But we knew we would get our moments. Thankfully, I was able to pop up with the header and then Shanks does what Shanks does” Derek McInnes’s side have won three straight games, after a winless run had reduced their lead at the summit of the Scottish Premiership. Findlay believes the performances hint at the “mentality” of the squad. “We thrive in big games. I think we’ve shown that in all the big games so far, we’ve managed to show up with the performances to beat Celtic home and away, to beat Rangers home and away. It’s not easy to do, no matter what Celtic Rangers are going to show up. And it’s a testament to the boys in there that we’ve been able to do that. “We believe in ourselves, that’s a big thing. We come into these games with pure belief that we can get the victory”. Findlay was quick to point out the work ethic of his teammates, including another exemplary performance from captain Lawrence Shankland. “You’ve seen Lawrence lose the ball at the top end of the pitch and come back and make a tackle in the final third. You’ve got a midfield three of Cammy, Oisin, and Thomas, who will cover every blade for you. There wasn’t a guy on the park today who was a passenger. Every single person stood up and was counted. I’m so proud of all the boys in there.” Whispers of a title charge continue to gather pace for the Jambos, but Stuart advised that the dressing room refuse to be drawn into such talk. “We’ve reached the expectations of the fans by winning the majority of the games. I can’t stress enough that’s what we need to just keep doing. We just need to keep looking ahead to the next game.” “The title thing, as I said 100 times, I’ll let other people talk about that. We just want to make sure we have dusted that one off, and now it’s a massive Derby that we need to try and get another win.” High-performing partnerships are plentiful across the Hearts team. But perhaps none more effective than Findlay and Craig Halkett, who missed the game through injury. “Craig’s been an absolutely huge part for us this season. We were all sort of gutted that he couldn’t make it today. The boys did him proud, and we got a really good result.” “He was delighted for me (for scoring). As soon as I went in, he was the first guy who came up to me.” The Jambos return to league action at Easter Road on Saturday, in another formidable test for Derek McInnes’ side.

December 22, 2025

Hearts 2-1 Rangers: quickfire double seals third straight win for Jambos

Hearts 2-1 Rangers Findlay (38′) Shankland (42′) Chermiti (90+5′) Hearts produced a powerful first-half performance to hand Danny Rohl his first league defeat as Rangers manager, and extend their lead at the summit of the Scottish Premiership. The game started frantically, but neither side was able to test their opposing goalkeepers in a drab opening nine minutes. That was until James Tavernier’s inswinging corner, which was prodded home by Bojan Miovski at the far post. The away supporters’ celebrations were eventually ruled out, with the Macedonian striker marginally offside from the set piece. Despite the disallowed goal, Rangers had settled well in the Tynecastle cauldron, keen to extend their unbeaten domestic streak under Danny Rohl’s guidance. Alexandros Kyziridis burst into life in the 17th minute. After collecting Michael Steinwender pass, he marauded infield from the right wing. His left-footed curler from 20 yards had pace, but narrowly curled wide of Jack Butland’s right post. Rangers looked dangerous from another set piece moments later, Tavernier was the architect, but his looping free kick was headed wayward by the incoming Nicolas Raskin. Alexander Schwolow tipped Mikey Moore’s right-footed strike after beating his man moments later, as the visitors continued to pose a threat. Hearts clicked into life shortly after. Top goalscorers Claudio Braga and Lawrence Shankland linked in the centre of the park, before releasing Kyziridis in an advanced area. His driven cross from the right had no takers, but it was the Jambos’ best move of the half so far. Derek McInnes carved out the opening goal in the 37th minute. Braga linked with Kyziridis from a corner kick, whose delivery was powered home by the towering Stuart Findlay. The centre back has been a crucial component of the Jambos’ season, and his 5th league goal invigorated the home side. The second goal arrived four minutes later, courtesy of their captain. Claudio Braga nodded through to Lawrence Shankland after another free-kick, who drilled past Jack Butland at his near post: a quickfire double, and another statement of intent from the league leaders. The second half struggled to replicate the frenetic energy of the first 45, with clear-cut chances proving rare in the opening exchanges. Lawrence Shankland should have put the game to bed on the hour mark, but he could only sidefoot wide from inside the area after another mazy run from Kyziridis. Rangers began to see more of the ball in advanced areas, yet they lacked the killer instinct required to test Schwolow truly. That frustration was epitomised in the 64th minute when Djeidi Gassama failed to connect with a teasing back-post cross, leaving the visitors searching for answers. By committing men forward, Rangers inevitably left gaps for Hearts to exploit. Shankland looked certain to grab his second and Hearts’ third in the 68th minute following a lightning counter-attack, but Jack Butland reacted brilliantly to smother his right-footed strike. The Rangers keeper was called into action again moments later, safely gathering Frankie Kent’s tame header to keep his side in the contest. Desperate for a breakthrough, Danny Rohl turned to his bench for the final 15 minutes, introducing Danilo for Miovski. The substitute nearly made an immediate impact from the edge of the box, seeing his deflected strike whistle past the post, before Emmanuel Fernandez flashed a header wide from the resulting corner. As the clock ticked down, Hearts naturally retreated into a defensive shell, desperate to protect their clean sheet and two-goal cushion. Despite a late consolation strike from Youssef Chermiti, the damage was done, handing Rohl his first league defeat as Rangers manager. The victory momentarily pushes the Jambos nine points clear of Celtic and preserves their unbeaten league record at Tynecastle. The high-stakes fixtures show no sign of slowing down for Hearts, ahead of a massive trip to Easter Road for the second Edinburgh Derby of the season. Hearts: Schwolow 8 Steinwender 7 Kent 8 Findlay 9 Kingsley 8 Devlin 9 McEntee 8 Kyziridis 9 Magnusson 7 Braga 7 Shankland 9 Substitutes: Forrest 6 Baningime 6 Kerjota 4 McCart 4 Kabangu 2 Rangers: Butland 6 Aarons 6 Tavernier 5 Sterling 4 Fernandez 6 Meghoma 4 Barron 5 Raskin 5 Diomande 4 Moore 5 Miovski 4 Substitutes: Chermiti 4 Gassama 4 Danilo 3 Aasgaard 3

December 21, 2025

Derek McInnes provides an injury update ahead of the big game this weekend.

The Hearts boss spoke with media today ahead of their clash against Rangers this Sunday providing an injury update on some key players. “Beni Baningime and Calem Nieuwenhof are both close to being available for the weekend” “Beni is one that we’re hoping to try and get him on the training pitch Friday” The Hearts midfielder has been missing since November 9th due to a muscle injury. The last game he played was in a 4-0 victory over Dundee at Tynecastle. Speaking on Nieuwenhof he said: “Calem done a wee bit today and if there is no reaction then maybe do a bit tomorrow and we will see where he’s at as well”. The Australian has been missing since August with a hamstring injury. This has been an injury that has seen him sidelined previously. “Ageu is due back from Portugal on Friday after being out there for three weeks” The Striker has had an unfortunate start to his career with the Jambos and is now in a second period of injury with his hamstring. He has been sidelined since the beginning of November as well. The final update was provided on 21-year-old Finlay Pollock who was on loan at Raith Rovers last season. He joins the list of hamstring injuries for McInnes and has yet to be involved this season due to this injury. “Finlay Pollock has been on the grass running as well, trying to make a wee bit of headway with that” The manager did say that there is a “a bit of a bug at the minute” but has not affected the main squad as much. The update confirms no further injuries for the Gorgie side in their preparation for the final game before Christmas.

December 17, 2025

Hearts