Let's stick the boot into Killie then swagger to Glasgow

Del's boys can get back on track & silence sceptics before week is out

- RYAN STEVESON

MY mates might think otherwise but I remain confident Hearts' bubble hasn't burst just yet.

That's not to say it couldn't do with a wee blast of fresh air.

It was another deflating day at Fir Park last Saturday as Derek McInnes' team were held to a goalless draw by Motherwell.

And no sooner had the final whistle sounded in Lanarkshire than I had a queue of Celtic Rangers-supporting pals on the phone to have a pop.

They've made their minds up and are ready to stick a needle in the Jambos' title chances.

That's fine, let them gloat... for now.

But I'm pretty sure they won't be the ones smiling if Del and his team can hit back with two big results this week.

And that's the key.

OK, it's now one win in five and what was an eight-point lead has been slashed to two by Celtic, who have a game in hand.

But here's my message.

There's no need to panic... but Hearts do need to respond.

There would be no better signal to send out about the side's intentions this season than blowing Kilmarnock away.

That would tee the team up for Sunday's shoot-out with Celtic at Parkhead, where a win would not only heap immediate pressure on new boss Wilfried Nancy but flip the momentum back in Hearts' favour.

Remember, Celtic and Rangers have both had their struggles this season.