Hearts reclaimed their three-point gap at the summit of the Scottish Premiership against Celtic, but Derek McInnes remains fully focused on the next “challenge” as they look to build on their Parkhead victory.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday afternoon, the Hearts manager referenced the significance of Sunday’s result.

“For us, it was important to try and get back to winning ways. I think we all needed to feel that win again, after being really spoiled with wins. We had loads of wins at the start, and it just became synonymous, and you get used to it, and you become obsessed with winning, which is no bad thing.”

The 2-1 triumph over Celtic ended the Jambos’ spell of four straight games without victory. The winless run also erased their eight-point lead at the top of the league.

“You have to dig deep and get the result, so I think the whole club needed the win, the support, players, everybody, so it was nice to get that.”

“But it’s only three points, and there’s another challenge on Saturday, but the performance last time was what I hoped for, and thankfully, we got the job done.

Midfielder Cammy Devlin has been a prominent feature for McInnes in the opening sixteen league games. The manager is pleased that the Australian is receiving “recognition” for his consistency.

“I always thought Cammy was a good player, and he’s got to take the credit for the improvements in his game this season,”

“I think we’re seeing a lot more maturity in his performances, a lot more leadership, a lot more prominent, not just when he’s on the ball, but I think he’s got big influence, which you want from your centre-midfield players.”

“Cammy’s been a player who’s been so consistent, and it’s nice that he’s getting a bit of recognition for that.”

“I’d like that recognition to come when he signs his contract a bit more, but it’s nice nonetheless.”

Hearts face Falkirk on Saturday evening, looking to extend their lead to six points ahead of champions Celtic.