McInnes encourages Hearts to relish facing perennial Premiership victors

Derek McInnes has urged his Hearts players to embrace the hype ahead of their top-of-the-table showdown with Celtic on Sunday.

- by Jacqueline McKay

The unbeaten Jambos are being touted as title contenders after soaring five points clear at the top of the Premiership following a summer of shrewd recruitment aided by Jamestown Analytics and almost £10 million of investment from Brighton owner Tony Bloom.

With Hearts having the chance to go eight points clear if they beat the misfiring champions - an unprecedented situation for any team outwith the Old Firm this century - Bloom will be at Tynecastle Park for the first time since attending their opening two league matches against Aberdeen and Dundee United.