\n<\/p>\n
But what of Hearts’ head coach himself?<\/p>\n
McInnes is stressing his side need to get better if they are to remain in the title hunt.<\/p>\n
“I certainly hope we can make this a special season,” he said. <\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“I think there’s more wins in us. I expect us to get better as we go along. <\/p>\n
“We just want the games to get bigger and bigger and, for Hearts to stay relevant, we just need to keep chalking off wins.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The Scotland striker insisted Hearts “just need to concentrate on ourselves” rather than looking at the league table. <\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“That’s enjoyable; it’s a good pressure to have and it seems like the boys are thriving right now,” he said.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n