McInnes Dismisses Title Talk for Hearts Early in Season

McInnes Dismisses Title Talk for Hearts Early in Season

McInnes Dismisses Title Talk for Hearts Early in Season

Head coach Derek McInnes has labeled suggestions that Heart of Midlothian are title contenders as "stupid" after just six matches in the Scottish Premiership.

Currently, Hearts lead the league with 16 points from five victories and one draw. However, McInnes emphasizes that despite some analysts predicting a title challenge, it is premature to determine their standing in the race as the season progresses.

"Let’s be honest, we’re six league games into the season," he remarked. "Our focus is on ourselves. It’s foolish to claim we’re in a title race at this point. We’re not getting drawn into that discussion. Our priority is to improve upon what was not satisfactory last season, and we need to continue working on that."

McInnes is now turning his attention to the upcoming match—a home derby against Hibernian, who sit sixth in the table but remain unbeaten in the league.

"We just need to aim for a win in the derby, which is always significant regardless of current form," he stated. "In derbies across the country, form often goes out the window; it’s all about the match itself."

The return of goalkeeper Craig Gordon, 42, has bolstered McInnes’ squad. Gordon has also been recalled to the Scotland national team after a long injury layoff.

"Craig has managed to complete four or five days of training since Thursday," McInnes reported. "He played 45 minutes in a practice match today. I spoke with Steve yesterday, and we are pleased he is fully fit and back in training, which is why he’s rejoining the Scotland squad. Steve is eager to have him back."

"We’re now about 12 or 13 games into the season, and we haven’t really had him available. Hopefully, he can build up his training minutes and gain momentum."

While this is good news for Gordon, striker Lawrence Shankland has once again missed out on a call-up for Scotland. The 30-year-old has scored seven goals for Hearts this season and set a record as the all-time leading scorer in the Scottish Professional Football League with his second goal in a 3–0 victory over Falkirk.

McInnes believes that despite the disappointment for Shankland this time, consistent performances for Hearts will eventually lead to a national team recall.

"Scotland’s two strikers performed well last time, as Steve acknowledged," he added. "The motivation for Lawrence, and all players aspiring to be involved with Scotland, is the World Cup. That has to be the objective."

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