I'll always live with that feeling of. "What if?' from '86.. hopefully that might just change for all of us at Tynecastle in 2026

But Jambos hero Mackay taking nothing for granted as fans dare to dream

- BY SCOTT MCDERMOTT

IT'S still the worst day of Gary Mackay's footballing life.

A single point - and just seven minutes - away from a Premiership title.

Before THAT famous Albert Kidd double at Dens Park killed off Hearts’ hopes of being champions and gave Celtic the league flag.

Now, 40 years later, a younger generation of Jambos are daring to dream again.

With Derek McInnes' side top of the table at the New Year, they believe they can win it. But Mackay admits for older supporters who lived through the pain of '86, they'll NEVER take anything granted.

The Tynecastle legend is as excited as any Hearts fan about what the current crop could achieve this season.

But having played at Dens that day - and got so close - Mackay is also refusing to get carried away.

In '86, the Gorgie side just needed a draw against Dundee on the last day of the campaign to secure the championship.

But Kidd's iconic, late brace and Celts’ 5-0 demolition of St Mirren in Paisley - left Hearts devastated.

They've never put up a genuine title challenge since but some punters are convinced this is their year.

Mackay is loving the fact McInnes' team are in the mix alongside the Old Firm. But after experiencing heartache four decades ago, he won't be popping champagne corks any time soon.

As he recalled his Tayside torment, he told Record Sport: "It's still the biggest disappointment of my career.

"As an individual you never get over being that close to something which would've been historic for the club.

"It could've been an amazing time for Hearts. And the next group of players who achieve it will create history.