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”