HEARTS CAN HANDLE TITLE PRESSURE

DEREK MCINNES last night insisted Hearts are not finding their Premiership leaders' tag too hot to handle The Gorgie boss refused to be downbeat after a stalemate at Motherwell that means the frontrunners have taken just two points from their last three outings.

- GORDON PARKS

Celtic can cut the gap at the top to just two points with a win at Hibs this afternoon and they still have a game in hand.

But McInnes is adamant his side are more than capable of coping with expectations that are of their own making.

He said: "It's our fault that the expectation levels have risen. And we're alright with that.

"But there's also got to be a realisation from us we need to be better than we were on the day to win a game at Motherwell.

"I'm delighted that even ahead of the game we had a chance to go seven points clear.

"Saying that, as Hearts manager, you're nearing the end of November with a chance to go seven points clear.

"There has to be some sort of perspective.

"These boys are human, they work hard. They care for the club.

"We try and get results.

So there's no real criticism from me.