Derek McInnes has been interviewed ahead of a title fighting game this weekend.

The Jambos will host Celtic on Sunday as the two sides are separated by only 6 points at the top of the Scottish Premiership.

He said “Obviously it’s a big game on Sunday, we’ve still got a lot going for us with the squad and it’s not all doom and gloom. I need to stress that”

“Injuries are part and parcel, losing key players is part and parcel and I don’t want anyone from a Hearts persuasion to lose any sort of hope or optimism”

“It’s a brilliant game to be involved in and we are really looking forward to it”

“So whatever Hearts team gets put out we will be ready for Celtic, and ready to compete. Just as we’ve always been”

“We will always probably be seen as the underdog even though we are top of the league”

“Last time out, maybe there was some of you guys (media) and some people out there last time we played Celtic, thought Hearts had a right good chance of winning it”

“We believe we can win the game on Sunday, regardless of who’s fit and who’s not”

The Edinburgh side have won both previous games against Celtic this season, and this will be the 3rd different Celtic manager they have faced across those games.