Claudio Braga says belief has been growing inside the Hearts squad for some time and now the players feel the title is within reach. Speaking to Sky Sports News, the 26-year-old forward — one of the PFA Scotland Premiership player of the year nominees — said the team have approached the run-in game by game and are calm but focused.
Hearts have led the table for most of the season and sit three points clear of reigning champions Celtic, with Rangers a further point behind. With four matches remaining, Braga stressed the simple equation: win every game and the title is theirs.
“We had belief for a long time but didn’t want to say anything,” he told Sky Sports. “Now there are four games to go and it’s on us. We need to stay calm. Monday night against Rangers is very important and hopefully we get there with three points.”
Braga joined Hearts from Norwegian second-tier side Aalesunds last summer and has become the club’s leading scorer this campaign with 17 goals. He admitted he arrived expecting to challenge for European places and perhaps a cup, not imagining the run for the championship.
“When I came I thought maybe fight for the top three or win some silverware,” he said. “The level was a big step for me and I wasn’t sure I could start. I didn’t expect what’s happened this year — it’s been a big surprise and I’m delighted.”
Next up for Hearts is a home clash with Rangers on Monday 4 May — pre-match build-up 5:00pm, kick-off 5:30pm — live on Sky Sports. Braga and his teammates will be hoping to take a major step toward ending a title drought that stretches back to 1960.
Fans can also take part in Sky Sports’ vote for the Scottish Premiership Goal of the Season. The shortlist includes goals from Marko Lazetic (Aberdeen), Reo Hatate (Celtic), Callum McGregor (Celtic), Hyun-Jun Yang (Celtic), Sebastian Tounekti (Celtic), Ethan Hamilton (Dundee), Zac Sapsford (Dundee United), Kyrell Wilson (Falkirk), Alex Kyziridis (Hearts), Ben Brannan (Kilmarnock), Jayden Meghoma (Rangers) and Youssef Chermiti (Rangers). Click the Sky Sports link to view the 12 contenders and cast your vote.