Derek McInnes reveals conversations with Sir Alex Ferguson have provided “great pointers”, as Hearts prepare for another seismic Scottish Premiership clash at Ibrox.
In an interview with the BBC, McInnes advised that Ferguson had contacted him in the lead up to the Edinburgh Derby.
“He was on the phone on my way into the game, and he’s got great pointers, little nuggets of information.
“He’s able to give you wee things you can maybe do and say, like how you deal with the press.”
“He knows all my players. He talks as though he knows them intimately and I tell my players that, and they still can’t believe that he actually knows our game inside out,” adds McInnes.
“He watches forensically. So I feel as if I’ve got a real supporter there.”
McInnes will be aided by returning centre-back Craig Halkett, who missed Tuesday’s Edinburgh Derby through suspension. The defender accepts that his team may be in uncharted territory, but relishes the title challenge.
“I’ve watched Scottish football all my life, and in my lifetime, certainly, it’s unusual for Hearts to be in this position at this time of the year.
“I think the fact that the majority of the boys in the changing room haven’t been in this position before is a good thing.
“We don’t have any past experience to fall back on or any worries about being in this position. We’ve not done it. Everyone’s just going with the flow and just doing the best that we can every single week.
“I think it’s obviously a good thing that world football are looking at Hearts and seeing Hearts’ name out there and making the club known all across the world. That’s only a good thing.
Holding position at the summit of the Scottish Premiership for 20 weeks may bring pressure, but Halkett insists his teammates aren’t feeling the pressure of their sensational season.
“All the boys are buzzing coming in every day. We’ve been top of the league for a while now but I don’t think anyone’s really thinking or starting to worry that if we don’t win this game or we win that game, where are we going to be?
“Personally, I’m not feeling too much pressure. It’s just the pressure to go and win the game at the weekend and then see where it takes us.
“It’s been such a great season, you’re just so glad to be involved in it.”
Hearts travel to Ibrox on Sunday afternoon, a victory would move the Jambos eight clear at the top of the league, potentially delivering the knockout blow for Rangers’ title credentials.
