Hearts of Midlothian manager Derek McInnes has issued a bold message to his rivals after his side snatched a last-gasp victory over city rivals Hibernian in a thrilling Edinburgh derby. The dramatic 1-0 win, sealed by a stoppage-time strike from Craig Halkett, extended Hearts’ lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership to five points and further cemented their status as genuine title contenders.
It was a tense, hard-fought encounter at Tynecastle Park, with both sides battling for dominance in one of Scotland’s fiercest rivalries. But just when it seemed the points would be shared, Halkett rose highest in added time to head home the winner, sparking wild celebrations among the home fans.
After the match, McInnes could not hide his pride — and his growing belief in what this Hearts side can achieve this season.
“This team is far from finished,” he told reporters. “We’re improving every week, and I honestly believe we’re only going to get better. The character the players showed today was outstanding. In these big games, it’s not just about talent — it’s about resilience and mentality, and we showed plenty of that.”
The victory marks another statement performance from a Hearts side that has been in superb form this season. With six wins and a draw from their opening seven league matches, they remain unbeaten and continue to look like a side capable of challenging the Old Firm’s long-standing dominance in Scottish football.
McInnes also highlighted the return of several key players from injury as a major boost to the squad’s ambitions.
“We’ve still got important players coming back, which will give us even more options and quality,” he added. “That depth will be vital as the season goes on. We know there’s a long way to go, but we’re confident in what we’re building here.”
The result not only strengthens Hearts’ position at the top of the table but also sends a message to title rivals Celtic and Rangers that they will have to work harder than ever to reclaim the Premiership crown.
With belief growing among players and supporters alike, and with McInnes clearly determined to push the club to new heights, Hearts’ early-season surge may be more than just a hot streak — it could be the beginning of a serious title challenge.
The message from Tynecastle is clear: this Hearts team is here to stay — and they’re only going to get stronger.
