Derek McInnes is adamant Hearts are only going to get stronger down the home straight after they reasserted themselves at the top of the Premiership with a tense 1-0 victory at home to Dundee.
Oisin McEntee headed the only goal in the 77th minute from a Marc Leonard free-kick as the Jambos bounced back from last weekend’s defeat at Kilmarnock to remain clear of both Rangers and Celtic, who visit Dundee United on Sunday.
McInnes was further buoyed by the fact key duo Lawrence Shankland and Cammy Devlin returned to action after two months out injured, while he is relishing others being back for their next match away to bottom-of-the-table Livingston in a fortnight.
“I actually think the belief that I’ve got in the team is even more than it’s ever been, because I know what’s coming behind it,” said the Hearts boss. “I know what’s coming back for Livingston.
“I’ve got (Tomas) Magnusson, (Harry) Milne and (Craig) Halkett back, and I should have (Stuart) Findlay and (Stephen) Kingsley back.
“I’ve got my captain (Shankland) back now for another couple of weeks training, I’ve got Cammy Devlin back, I’ve got Beni Baningime back. We will get stronger, and we’re going to need that strength.
“We’ve been tested of late but despite all that, we’re going to be top of the league in April. We’re huge underdogs, but for us still to be where we are, churning out victories, as we did again, there’s a lot to be said for 1-0 victories.
“We’d like it to be easier, because I feel the same anxiety (as the fans). I want to win a game 2-0 and enjoy the game a wee bit more, but I’m not going to make any apologies for it – I enjoy winning.
“We’ve lost one goal in four games, that’s not easy to do in this league. To keep as many clean sheets, you’ve got to do so much right. I think we had one shot on target against us and it came at the free kick at the end of the first half. We’ve done a lot right.”
Later, Rangers romped into second place behind leaders Hearts with a comfortable 4-1 win over Aberdeen at Ibrox.
The Jambos went six points clear of Rangers but Danny Rohl’s side responded to the challenge with midfielder Tochi Chukwuani opening the scoring in the 35th minute before 18-year-old Tottenham loan attacker Mikey Moore added a second three minutes after the break.
Danny Rohl’s side responded to the challenge with midfielder Tochi Chukwuani opening the scoring in the 35th minute before 18-year-old Tottenham loan attacker Mikey Moore added a second three minutes after the break.
Dennis Geiger pulled a goal back for the Dons in the 52nd minute but Rangers midfielder Nico Raskin restored their two-goal lead with a fine finish 10 minutes later.
Captain James Tavernier struck with a stunning free-kick in the last kick of the game to move Rangers back to within three points of Hearts, leapfrogging Celtic into second place, albeit the Hoops can go back behind the Edinburgh club with a win at Dundee United on Sunday lunchtime.
Stephen Robinson’s first away game as Pittodrie boss revealed the extent of the work ahead of him as the Dons ended the day just three points ahead of St Mirren and Kilmarnock, with bottom side Livingston 12 points adrift and seemingly doomed.
PA
