HALK HEADS ON HOLIDAY!

Del hails match-winner as leaders soar clear

- FRASER WILSON AT TYNECASTLE

DEREK MCINNES hailed Craig Halkett for nodding Hearts six points clear at the top of the Premiership - then joked the match winner can head the ball further than he goes on holiday.

The centre back’s sixth goal of the season ensured that the Jambos saw in the new year in style by taking full advantage of Celtics Old Firm slip-up earlier in the day.

But Tynecastle boss McInnes insists that his leaders have to be BETTER after they passed up a glut of first-half chances before having to endure some nervy second-half moments against rock-bottom Livingston.

New signing Jordi Altena impressed in a Hearts debut that included an assist on what turned out to be a good day’s work in Gorgie.

McInnes said: “In the cold light of day, three very important points, clean sheet.

“On paper, top v bottom, such a dominant first-half performance.

“But there's a consequence every time you miss a chance. There's a consequence of being careless and not getting that second goal.

“We had to be better and not encourage any sloppiness and not give them any encouragement. But there's two sides to it. At our best today we were really good. We looked like a team who should be at the top of the league and really great to watch.