Derek McInnes is excited about what he believes could be the “most dramatic fixture you can have” when Hearts visit Celtic on the last day of the Scottish Premiership season.
With six league matches remaining, the Jambos are one point ahead of second-placed Rangers, with Celtic a further two behind going into the final pre-split fixtures next weekend.
Hearts boss McInnes noted the annual noise around the make-up of the post-split fixtures, but declared himself “excited about the prospect of the games coming up”, including what could be a last-day shootout in the east end of Glasgow.
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Hearts head coach Derek McInnes is not too concerned about when and where they will play their final five Premiership games of the season as they look to clinch their first title since 1960
“The first (thought) was for the fans because obviously there’s an effect on them getting 600 tickets, which is the way,” said McInnes about the trip to Celtic Park on May 16.
“But I also thought that the league’s going to try and get a fixture at the death that would be pretty key and hopefully we’re still in a chance of winning the title going into the last game.
“I think it’s an unbelievable fixture if we are, particularly if Celtic have still got a chance as well.
“If both teams are still in the mix for winning the league, it’s the most dramatic fixture you can have.
“Obviously Rangers are going to have a lot to say about that and they’ve got a difficult away game in last game of the season as well.
“I think it’s up to the league and the TV companies to try and maximise the drama and we’ve got to accept that.
“But a brilliant game to be involved in, particularly if we still have an opportunity.
“When you look at the way the league is just now with six games to go, I think it’s more likely to go to the last game than not.”
McInnes revealed Tomas Magnusson would have a scan on a thigh problem sustained in training last week which would “maybe” keep him out for the rest of the season, while he confirmed the Gorgie club would appeal Marc Leonard’s red card for a ‘last man’ tackle on Robbie Muirhead during Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Livingston.
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Hearts midfielder Marc Leonard was sent off at Livingston following a VAR review after being deemed guilty of denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity
Asked if Magnusson was likely to be out for the rest of season, he added: “Maybe, we are just getting a second opinion.”
He then offered some positive news on the injury front, saying: “Stuart Findlay back. Harry Milne is back running today, so not ruled out for the weekend.
“Magnusson out. Calem Nieuwenhof (hamstring) out, Ageu (thigh) out. (Stephen) Kingsley came through at Livingston.
“Craig Gordon (shoulder) is looking to try and do some goalkeeping work next week, he’s improving steadily.”
Initial post-split games to be shown live on Sky Sports
- April 25: Celtic vs Falkirk, 5.30pm
- April 26: Hibernian vs Hearts, 4.30pm
- May 3: Hibernian vs Celtic, 12pm
- May 4: Hearts vs Rangers, 5.30pm
- May 9: Motherwell vs Hearts, 8pm
- May 10: Celtic vs Rangers, 12pm
