Hearts head coach Derek McInnes says his squad have the appetite to finish a historic Scottish Premiership title run as they prepare to face Motherwell on Saturday, in a match shown live on Sky Sports. The Jambos sit three points clear of Celtic with three games left, with Rangers a further four adrift. McInnes, recently named Scottish Premiership manager of the season, believes the players’ mentality has been decisive.
Reflecting on their comeback against Rangers, McInnes said the fightback underlined the team’s belief and grit. “It doesn’t surprise me that we don’t feel as if we’re ever beaten in games. The lads have got a real determination,” he told Sky Sports News, adding that the club has developed an “addiction to just winning games of football” — a desire and resilience that have defined their season.
A win at Fir Park could open the door for Hearts to clinch their first top-flight crown since 1960 at Falkirk on Wednesday, but that would only be possible if Celtic drop points against Rangers on Sunday. If that scenario doesn’t occur, the title race may be settled on the final day at Parkhead.
McInnes insisted the team must concentrate on the immediate challenge. “In the context of the season, it’s such a big week, but we’re just really trying to focus on Motherwell,” he said, warning against overthinking permutations: you can “tie yourself in knots” by calculating every outcome.
He also cautioned that Motherwell will be a tough test — well coached, organised and capable of troubling opponents — so selecting the right team and being well prepared will be crucial if Hearts are to take a positive result.