Lewis Neilson admits his future is uncertain with Heart of Midlothian, but the 22-year-old currently on loan to Falkirk would be willing to sign a new contract and go out on loan again if he fails to secure a starting place. (Edinburgh Evening News)
Image source, SNSHearts boss Derek McInnes wants to see Tynecastle "in its full glory" when Rangers visit Edinburgh on Monday evening.
Hearts can all-but eliminate Danny Rohl's side from the title race with a victory at home - Rangers would be seven points off the top with nine left to play for - but a defeat would cut the gap between the two clubs to just a point while Celtic, who are at home to Hibs on Sunday, could be level with Hearts with a victory.
And McInnes is taking confidence from Hearts' home form as they look to continue their Premiership unbeaten run at Tynecastle.
"The players have shown the bigger the game, the bigger the performance," he said.
"So I don't think there's a question mark over 'are they going to be up for it?' or 'are they going to be ready to deal with it?'
"We might not win the game but it'll have nothing to do with mentality or lack of motivation. The players have responded to these types of games brilliantly.
"The fact we've been unbeaten at Tynecastle this season, hopefully that serves us well going into it but it doesn't give you any guarantees."
And McInnes once again urged supporters to turn out in their numbers on Monday, as they have done all season.
"We just want Tynecastle to be in its full glory," he added.
"We want it to be even better than it's been. To the supporters: bring your scarves, show your colours, let's go and make it a proper night.
"We see it as a fight that we can win, but win, lose or draw, we're still in the fight.
"I understand the nerves but I want the supporters not to be nervous, I want them to try and see their role as vitally important, to get behind the team.
"I think we're all enjoying it, ourselves and the fans, but we all kind of want it to be over as well. It's a nice situation to be in.
"We're just delighted we're in the fight, this is what I wanted for the club and the fact that it's come so quickly for us this season is something we've got to try and enjoy and hopefully reflect at the end on a brilliant season's work."
Image source, SNSFormer Hearts and Rangers midfielder Andy Halliday suggests Rangers may have to "throw caution to the wind" at Tynecastle on Monday.
The Motherwell midfielder, who played for both Rangers and Hearts, feels Emmanuel Longelo's late goal against Danny Rohl's side last weekend has totally changed to dynamic ahead of Monday's game.
The sides had been level at Ibrox with 20 minutes to play on Sunday but Longelo's 90th minute goal took all three points for Jens Berthel Askou's team and pushed Rangers four points behind the league leaders.
With that in mind, Halliday says Rangers' title challenge will be over if they don't win on Monday.
"I think it's done for Rangers absolutely," he told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.
"It'll then go to seven points between Rangers and Hearts with only nine points remaining. So they would absolutely be out of it.
"Rangers getting a point at home to Motherwell, you can't say it's a good result because they needed to win that game but I do think that that goal by Emmanuel Longelo in the last minute completely changes things.
"If that finishes a draw, then Rangers are only three points behind Hearts with a better goal difference going to Tynecastle. So even a draw in that respect, I still think they're in the race because there's three games to go. It only takes Hearts to lose one, Rangers to lose one.
"So I think that it's a game that Rangers have to win and it will be really interesting to see how they respond to that. If it is 1-1 or 0-0 with 10 minutes to go, for me I think they have to completely throw caution to the wind to try and win the game.
"Does that then suit Hearts to then try hit them on the counter attack with the likes of Pierre Landry Kabore that will no doubt come off the bench with his pace towards the end.
"I think it's going to be a fascinating game but without doubt it's one that Rangers have to win to stay in this race."
Image source, SNSDerek McInnes admits it has been a "long week" waiting for Hearts' Monday night showdown with Rangers.
The mood in the table-topping Tynecastle squad is high after their comeback derby win at Easter Road last Sunday.
So how have McInnes and the players prepared for arguably the club's biggest game in decades?
"I think we've deliberately not spoken too much about the game," said the 54-year-old head coach.
"It's been a long week, obviously, Sunday to Monday. This is our longest period because we go Monday to Saturday and then we'll get three games in a week, so we take the good of having those extra rest days.
"We'll start to make a bit more reference to it today with the players and speak a bit about the game itself. But I think it's getting the balance right.
"The week's been pretty laidback. We just want to make sure we're strong at the right time, not too early in the week. I think it's important that we just enjoy our work this week.
"We've probably got so many different nationalities in the dressing room, we just try and lean on everything we've got.
"Some have been in title races before, some haven't. Some have been here a long time and are just enjoying what we're doing.
"I think we're all pretty relaxed day to day and then obviously make sure we're switched on and ready to compete on Monday just as we've done all season. At Tynecastle in particular we have been really strong so hopefully we can continue that."
McInnes, who hopes to have either Cammy Devlin or Harry Milne back from injury for the visit of third-place Rangers, says Sabah Kerjota's impressive derby impact has given him "food for thought".
The Albanian came off the bench at half-time and set up both goals in the 2-1 win against nine-man Hibs, but has yet to start a game this season.
"There's no doubting Sabah's contribution at Easter Road, it was the perfect time for him to go and showcase what he's got," said McInnes.
"He's utilised his involvement with us very well this season. Of course you're drawn to players who are playing well and training well, we look at every eventuality. We're delighted with Sabah and I think he'll have an even bigger impact next season."
Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
Image source, SNSDerek McInnes has been speaking to the media before Hearts host title rivals Rangers on Monday.
Here are the key lines from the Tynecastle boss:
McInnes wishes the game against Rangers "was tomorrow" such is the excitement about the fixture: "There's obviously a lot riding on the game and we can't downplay that. Why would we?"
Cammy Devlin and Harry Milne are both "progressing well" and McInnes hopes one of the pair will be available.
McInnes urges the fans not to be nervous. He wants to see Tynecastle "in its full glory" and is hoping it's a "proper night", adding: "We want it to be even better than it's been. To the supporters, bring your scarves, show your colours, give it laldy."
Hearts always feel they are "the underdog" in games against Celtic and Rangers but are "an underdog with real belief in what we're doing - and the results we've had have been a testament to that".
Whatever the result on Monday night, McInnes says nothing will be decided but Hearts are "determined to make the most of the opportunity, particularly at Tynecastle".
He adds: "We might not win the game but it'll have nothing to do with mentality or lack of motivation."
"There are no gimmies" in the post-split fixtures and all are "extremely difficult".
McInnes says there is a "responsibility" on Hearts now to get the title "done and over the line" but it is "not without its challenges".
On whether he expects a message from Sir Alex Ferguson, who has been giving advice to McInnes this season, the Hearts boss says: "Who knows? I don't expect anything, it's just nice when you do get these little messages of support from somebody who's lived in that and done so much in the game."
Hearts' preparation has been "laidback" and McInnes adds: "We've deliberately not spoken about Rangers too early in the week."
On Rangers, McInnes says: "When you spend £40m assembling a squad, you expect to win games. So for us to even be top ahead of a team who have spent that type of money is an incredible achievement from our point of view."
He expects a "proper scrap" on Monday night and insists Hearts are ready for it, insisting the "biggest driver" in winning games is "keeping discipline, keeping focus".
Table-topping Hearts are "delighted" to be in the fight and McInnes says: "I think we're all enjoying it - including the fans - but we all kind of want it to be over as well."
McInnes has recalled right-back Adam Forrester from his co-operation loan at St Johnstone to cover "every eventuality" during the title run-in.
Image source, SNSFalkirk boss John McGlynn says his manager of the year nomination is recognition for the entire club.
McGlynn is in the running to win the Managers and Coaches Association of Scotland Manager of the Year award for a third consecutive season after following successive promotions by leading the Bairns into the top six of the Premiership.
He has been nominated alongside Hearts boss Derek McInnes and Stenhousemuir's Gary Naysmith.
McGlynn thinks McInnes should win the award but is surprised Motherwell's Jens Berthel Askou wasn't on the shortlist.
Before their fixture against Motherwell on Saturday, the 64-year-old said: "It's a privilege and an honour, obviously, your fellow managers voting for you.
"All due to the work that's been done in the background and on the pitch, obviously. Managers can't get nominated for these things if the players aren't doing the business, the whole backroom staff, everyone involved.
"I'm getting the recognition, but it's a recognition for the football club.
"I have heard people saying we've been a breath of fresh air. I think we've certainly brought something to the Premiership, the same as we brought something to the Championship from League One.
"Motherwell have been outstanding, absolutely outstanding. The football team are fantastic, and the manager's been great to turn that around in a very, very short time.
"And it's quite topical that Jens has not made it into the nominations for the manager of the year.
"You get two votes and I voted for Derek McInnes and Jens. And if I get beat by one, I'll be kicking myself.
"I'm only kidding but I think he's done a great job. But to be there for so long, for me, it has to be Derek McInnes."
Image source, SNSFormer Premiership striker Rory Loy believes Hearts' plans for the new season will be on hold while they try to complete an incredible title triumph.
The Tynecastle club are on course to end four decades of Old Firm dominance as they lead the three-team race with just four games remaining.
With the help of Jamestown Analytics, last season's summer transfer window was a success, unearthing talents like Claudio Braga and Alexandros Kyziridis, and Loy is expecting more of the same once the thrilling title battle has reached a conclusion.
"The way I feel about Hearts at the moment is I think they've got a good balance of not just using Jamestown, they also use Derek McInnes and his knowledge of Scottish football," Loy told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.
"The players that he knows, the players that he trusts. So it's a little bit of both. I think if McInnes identifies somebody that can improve his squad, he'll bring them in and if it's within Scotland, more than likely be able to afford to do that.
"I also think it'll depend on where they finish in the league and what European competition they'll be in as to how much money they may get.
"But the whole idea of Jamestown is that you are doing what everyone tries to do, buying cheap and selling big. So I expect them to sign a few players that nobody's ever heard of from obscure places. And you you only really need two or three of them to work out for that to be the case.
"If I'm honest, Hearts is the one club at this moment in time who probably won't be looking to next season just yet. I'm sure they will be in the background, but it's literally three weeks, all hands to the pump, to try and win the league.
"You're trying to achieve something historic that nobody ever thought possible."
Image source, SNSCaptain Joe Newell has dismissed any notion Hibs will "lie down" to Celtic on Sunday.
A draw or victory for David Gray's side at Easter Road would help the title bid of Edinburgh rivals Hearts, who hold a three-point lead over Celtic with four games remaining.
Some Hibs fans would prefer their side to lose - but Newell is adamant there will be no easing off as they try to catch Motherwell in fourth.
"I completely get it," Newell said.
"The fact we're having the conversation shows there's obviously feelings like that, but you can only control what you can control.
"We're a group of professional athletes. We fight with each other over five-a-sides in training, so if you think we're going to lie down in front of thousands of people, in front of the Sky cameras, you're wrong.
"We'll be doing our utmost to win the game of football, it's as simple as that.
"Obviously, you see and hear things [from supporters], but the message throughout is obvious. Straight away, I can assure you there's no thinking of that.
"You play for this club, you're expected to do as well as you can. We've got our own targets that we haven't achieved yet and we need to, so in that respect, it's straightforward."
Image source, SNSFormer Hearts captain Gary Mackay feels Monday's home game against Rangers is one of the biggest in the club's history.
The Edinburgh club are three points ahead of Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership heading into the showdown with third-placed Rangers, who lie four adrift of the summit.
Hearts have topped the table for much of the season and have just four games left of their mission to win their first top flight-title since 1960.
After last weekend's Edinburgh derby win over Hibernian Mackay, and many other Hearts fans, feel Monday's game is their biggest in a long time.
"There's a gentleman I know, for example, who attended his 205th Edinburgh derby on Sunday," Mackay said.
"He's 78, 79 now, and he texted me after the game to say that Monday is as big a game as he's seen since 1960.
"Everybody's got their own thoughts and their own memories of why Monday is so important."
The 62-year-old was playing for Hearts last time they got close to a top-flight title, missing out to Celtic on the final day in 1986.
And while he knows the pressure is on, he is urging supporters to get behind the team regardless of the scoreline during Monday night's match.
"I don't think any of us at this time last year thought we were going to be where we are and I think that's why the emotions are so high," Mackay added.
"It's important we get rid of any kind of negativity – it doesn't matter where we are in the 10th minute, or the 70th minute come Monday, we need to be right behind the team from the first minute to the last, because if any of us supporters had thought last year that we would be talking like this with four games to go, we would have thought that there was something wrong with us.
"The players and management have given us a season that is up there with one of the best I've ever had as a Hearts supporter, and it's up to us to repay them by getting right behind them and making sure we give them the best chance possible to get the outcome we all want."
Rangers suffered their first defeat in 17 league games last time out against Motherwell (W12 D4) though haven't lost back-to-back matches in the Scottish Premiership since March 2018 under Graeme Murty.
Hearts have won four of their six league games against Celtic and Rangers this season (D1 L1); the only side ever to win five league games against the two Old Firm clubs in a single campaign are Aberdeen, who have done so on three occasions: 1977-78, 1979-80 and 1982-83, all under Alex Ferguson.
Rangers have lost two of their three league meetings with Hearts this season; only in 1985-86 have they ever been beaten three times by the Gorgie side in a single league campaign.
Hearts have won their past five home league games, last enjoying a longer winning run at Tynecastle in the top flight from August to December 2005 (eight in a row).
One third of Youssef Chermiti's Premiership goals have come against Hearts (four of 12). The last Rangers player to score five league goals against a single opponent in a season was Fashion Sakala versus Motherwell in 2021-22, while the last player for any club to score five in a Scottish Premiership season against Hearts was Scott Sinclair in 2016-17.
Former Hearts midfielder Paul Hartley believes his old side will now feel Scottish Premiership title glory is within reach after Sunday's dramatic derby win. (Edinburgh News), external
Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
One down, four to go.
Even against the nine men of Hibernian, there was plenty to admire about Hearts' win at Easter Road on Sunday - but it was not without its warning signs.
The simplicity of Martin Boyle's early back-post finish will have concerned Derek McInnes and his staff. At this stage of the season, such lapses can prove costly.
There was no panic and no loss of structure from Hearts, who showed patience and belief with a two-man advantage.
Now attention turns to what could be the defining test of this run-in. Rangers arrive wounded after their late defeat to Motherwell at Ibrox, and how they respond will shape the contest on Monday night.
For Hearts, the equation is clear. Victory would not mathematically end Rangers' title hopes, but it would leave them hanging by the thinnest of threads.
A seven-point gap with only three matches remaining would shift the balance decisively, coming close to reducing the race from three contenders to two.
There is also cautious optimism on the team news front. Cammy Devlin and Harry Milne were fully engaged from the sidelines at the weekend, and McInnes will hope at least one can return to bolster his options at a crucial time.
Tynecastle has staged its share of big occasions in recent seasons, but this feels different. The stakes are higher and an intense and anxious atmosphere will take care of itself.
There will be no silverware handed out at full-time, but three points here would take this Hearts side a step closer to achieving something special.
'We'll be remembered forever' - Braga on creating history with Hearts
Claudio Braga believes Hearts winning the Premiership title would have a positive impact on the future of Scottish football.
The Portuguese forward, who has been nominated for PFA Scotland's Premiership player of the year prize, also says the squad would be "remembered forever" if they claim a historic top-flight crown.
READ MORE: Braga, Just, Maswanhise & Shankland up for PFA award
Image source, SNSHearts forward Claudio Braga believes title success for the Tynecastle club would help Scottish football grow - and inspire other teams to believe they could also enjoy Premiership glory.
The Edinburgh side hold a three-point lead at the top of the Premiership with four games left and are on course to become the first team outside of Celtic or Rangers to win the league in 41 years.
"I feel like it's been a beautiful story," Braga said. "Around Europe, even the world, people are looking [at Hearts] and they enjoy it. It's always a good story when somebody that is not supposed to win does good stuff.
"Hearts are a team that is known for playing with their heart and are like a family on the pitch. It's not like we are the team that plays the most beautiful football. We are just the team that fights the most and I feel that means everything is possible, even against big money.
"Everybody loves a good story. I'm Portuguese, I don't know that much about Scottish football but I know enough to know that it would probably help Scottish football in a way [if Hearts won the league].
"People would look more at Scottish football if it's not only going to be Celtic or Rangers winning. Even for the other teams in the league, they will not go to the next year thinking, 'oh, it's going to be Celtic or Rangers'.
"If we do it, they will probably think, 'we can do it also', so that would help Scottish football to get to a bigger level."
Braga's own contribution to the title push has earned him a nomination for PFA Premiership player of the year, but his focus is to make sure he and his team-mates are remembered for years to come.
"You want to make history, not only in football, but in life," he said. "You want to be remembered, and that's something that probably would happen if we win the league.
"I think every single one of us would be remembered forever, so that's something that you just really want to achieve. Not just as a football player, but as a person. That would be just such a good achievement."
Image source, SNSDerek McInnes "doesn't get enough credit" for Hearts' transformation into title frontrunners this season, says Chris Sutton.
The Tynecastle side have topped the table for much of the campaign and hold a three-point lead over Celtic with four games remaining.
Should Hearts beat third-place Rangers at Tynecastle on Monday, the Ibrox side will be seven points off the pace.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club, former Celtic striker Sutton said: "Hearts just find a way to win. Their home record is phenomenal.
"You talk about pivotal games: if Hearts beat Rangers, essentially I think that is Rangers out of it.
"Derek McInnes, their manager, doesn't get enough credit. Everybody talks about Tony Bloom and the investment and the players they've signed. I do get that. But Derek McInnes has still found a way to navigate his team to this point.
"The Hearts story is brilliant because the question has always been: well, can it continue? Can this run continue? Can they get over the line? They've got four games now.
"I've been consistent in saying Hearts would go the distance and find a way. But anything could happen."
Except, according to the former Parkhead favourite, a 14th Celtic title triumph in 15 years.
"I still don't think Celtic can win it and I'm having these arguments regularly with everybody because eventually performances do come into it," Sutton added.
"Each team is capable of not winning another game. It's just the nature of the way it's been this season.
"The teams going for the title, the three of them don't win most weekends and that's what's intriguing."
Read more: Rangers have more chance of title than Celtic - Sutton
Image source, SNSHearts and Motherwell dominate the PFA Scotland Premiership player of the year shortlist - but who can feel unfortunate to miss out?
Hearts forwards Claudio Braga and Lawrence Shankland plus Motherwell midfielder Elijah Just and attacker Tawanda Maswanhise are the quartet vying for the award.
"Motherwell's Elliot Watt, I think he'll feel a bit hard done by and unlucky," said The Herald football writer Stephen McGowan on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.
"I think he's been excellent, just a revelation.
"And he is one you would imagine other clubs will be taking a close look at because you go back to this issue about Benjamin Nygren, for example, or Nicolas Raskin. They float in and out, they influence some games. They don't control games consistently in a way I think that Watt has in midfield.
"[Hearts'] Harry Milne has also had a really good season. He's been pretty consistent all over the piece, but I don't think you can have any real major complaints about the four.
"They've got it just about right."
We asked for your thoughts on who should win PFA Scotland's player of the year with Lawrence Shankland and Claudio Braga both making the shortlist.
Here's what some of you said:
Chris: Braga presents himself as a fine person on and off the field and I think he will be miles ahead of everyone else when picking up this award. He kept us in the title fight when Shankland was injured and his individual skill level is fantastic!
Steve: Braga is elevated with Shankland on the pitch and Shankland is enjoying playing with a true talent in Braga so I see them being one and two in the running for the award - but Braga should pinch it. He's been a breath of fresh air for Scottish football.
Alison: What a season, so far! Braga not only has the skill, composure and workrate to be considered Scottish football's player of the year but having met the man in person a few times - he's one of the good ones. A big move for him will come in the summer and he's earned every inch of it!
Jim: It has to be Braga for player of the season. Plucked from the obscurity of the Norwegian lower leagues to the potential of winning a Scottish Premiership winner's medal is the real story. His all-round ability, tireless workrate, goalscoring and providing skillset has lit up many matches in many grounds this season. He also stepped up when Shankland was injured and did more than most to keep Hearts' league challenge alive.
Image source, SNSHearts' Blair Spittal described scoring Sunday's crucial Edinburgh derby winner as by far the best feeling of his career.
The 30-year-old midfielder came off the bench to net a priceless goal to secure three vital points for the Scottish Premiership leaders at nine-man Hibernian.
The strike marked a first goal of the season for Spittal, opening up a three-point lead at the top of the table.
"It's an unbelievable feeling," he Spittal. "Obviously, with the timing of the season and whatnot, it just felt nice to get a win at Easter Road.
"I just noticed that there was a wee bit of space at the edge of the box and I'd just hold it and wait for the pass.
"The weight of the pass made me think I needed to hit it first time. Obviously, it took a tiny deflection, but seeing it hit the back of the net is hands down the best feeling I've had in my career. It was amazing.
"It could [be a massive moment], time will tell. We've got four massive games coming up now, so you don't really know what that could do for us, but it's put us in a great position now to kick it on."
Highlights: Hibernian 1-2 Hearts
