‘Hearts have arrived’… but McInnes warns they can get better

But what of Hearts’ head coach himself? McInnes is stressing that his side need to get better if they are to remain in the title hunt.

“I certainly hope we can make this a special season,” he said.

“I am always hearing we are only at the top of the league because teams not being as good as they normally are, but our actual points tally is actually around where a team at the top of the table should be.

“I think there’s more wins in us. I expect us to get better as we go along.

“We just want the games to get bigger and bigger and, for Hearts to stay relevant, we just need to keep chalking off wins.”

Hearts have scored in 16 of their 18 Premiership games – more often than any other team in the division – with Lawrence Shankland top scorer with nine after netting the second against Rangers.

The Scotland striker insists Hearts “just need to concentrate on ourselves” rather than looking at the league table.

“As soon as you start looking elsewhere, that can cause problems,” he said. “So as long as you focus on getting three points every week, you’ll be in a good place.”

Shankland said it feels like people suggest “it is a massive game” every week now and he and his team-mates are relishing the challenge.

“That’s enjoyable; it’s a good pressure to have and it seems like the boys are thriving right now,” he said.

“We’re in a good place, good position and obviously we’re going into the derby confident, so it’s a good place to be.”