Hearts boss Derek McInnes admits his team are "the best" on current form in Scotland, ahead of the first full round of fixtures. The 54-year-old, who has steered Hearts to victory over Celtic and Rangers already this season, insists he is not getting ahead of himself despite their impressive start to the campaign.
The Jambos sit nine points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership, having scored as many league goals as both Old Firm rivals combined. However, McInnes remains cautious, saying that being the best team on paper doesn't guarantee success when it matters most.
"It's not about what I think we are, or what anybody else thinks," he said. "It's factually at the end of the season. So it doesn't matter what you think."
Instead, McInnes is focusing on maintaining his team's high level of performance. "I'm enjoying what we're getting at the minute. We've shown over the first round of fixtures that we're what we're capable of, but the test is to keep doing it."
McInnes believes his side need to continue improving and winning games in order to secure a top-flight spot. He expressed confidence in his team's ability to overcome any challenges ahead.
"There's nothing for me to feel as if there's going to be any downturn in our performances. We just need to keep our shoulders to the wheel, recognise we need to keep improving, and keep trying to win that fight with ourselves to get better."
McInnes' comments come after Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland was recalled to Steve Clarke's Scotland squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Greece and Denmark. The 30-year-old striker has been instrumental in Hearts' success this season, scoring as many league goals as both Celtic and Rangers combined.
Shankland's inclusion in the Scotland squad is a testament to his form and experience, which McInnes believes will help him cope with the demands of international football. "What will help him is the fact that he's got the experience to deal with that," McInnes said.
The Jambos sit nine points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership, having scored as many league goals as both Old Firm rivals combined. However, McInnes remains cautious, saying that being the best team on paper doesn't guarantee success when it matters most.
"It's not about what I think we are, or what anybody else thinks," he said. "It's factually at the end of the season. So it doesn't matter what you think."
Instead, McInnes is focusing on maintaining his team's high level of performance. "I'm enjoying what we're getting at the minute. We've shown over the first round of fixtures that we're what we're capable of, but the test is to keep doing it."
McInnes believes his side need to continue improving and winning games in order to secure a top-flight spot. He expressed confidence in his team's ability to overcome any challenges ahead.
"There's nothing for me to feel as if there's going to be any downturn in our performances. We just need to keep our shoulders to the wheel, recognise we need to keep improving, and keep trying to win that fight with ourselves to get better."
McInnes' comments come after Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland was recalled to Steve Clarke's Scotland squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Greece and Denmark. The 30-year-old striker has been instrumental in Hearts' success this season, scoring as many league goals as both Celtic and Rangers combined.
Shankland's inclusion in the Scotland squad is a testament to his form and experience, which McInnes believes will help him cope with the demands of international football. "What will help him is the fact that he's got the experience to deal with that," McInnes said.
, but you can never count them out in Scotland. I mean, 9 points clear at the top is a big gap, and they still have a lot of games left to play. They need to keep their momentum going if they want to stay at the top. Shankland's inclusion in the Scotland squad is a great boost for him, but I think he'll be tested out there too 
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. Do you think Hearts can keep up this level of performance all season?
, i mean its impressive they're on top and all but like c'mon don't get ahead of yourself derek 
, 9 points clear at the top is nice but we've seen teams struggle with that before, lets see how it plays out over the full season 
I mean, the guy's team is on fire 
and they're sitting pretty at the top of the Scottish Premiership! But for real though, you can't deny the fact that Hearts are flying high right now. Shankland's inclusion in Steve Clarke's Scotland squad is a huge boost for them too, it's not just about the wins but also about the exposure for the team. And McInnes' confidence in his players is infectious 
he's like the ultimate glass-half-full kinda guy 
But you know what they say, "it's not about what you think" 
. Derek McInnes is right, it's all about maintaining that high level of performance and keeping improving. I'm loving their confidence and focus 
. The guy's a beast on the pitch! 
️ Derek McInnes is doin it right, keepin it real and focused on the task at hand 
. He's not gettin all high on his team's success, just enjoyin the ride 
. And Shankland gettin a call-up to the Scotland squad? No shock there 
, that lad's been tearin up the league! McInnes knows how to spot talent and he's got it right this time 
. Keep pushin those guys, Hearts, you're lookin like a solid bet for the top spot 
️! 9 points clear at the top is no joke, and Derek McInnes' comments about staying focused and improving make total sense 
. I'm loving their squad depth too - Shankland's form has been insane 
. Bring on the rest of the season! 
️. Shankland's inclusion in the Scotland squad will definitely give him more experience and help him cope with international pressure 
. But can Hearts keep their high level of performance going? They need to keep improving and winning games if they want to secure a top-flight spot 
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They've basically done all the hard work for everyone else in the league so far. It's not like they're overreacting or anything when they say they're the best team on current form... 
Still, I suppose it's good that McInnes is keeping things realistic and focusing on maintaining their high level of performance. That's more like it than some managers who might be getting ahead of themselves and making reckless promises to fans. 
And Lawrence Shankland's inclusion in the Scotland squad is well-deserved, he's been on a roll this season and I'm loving every minute of it 
. But what's even more impressive is how McInnes is staying grounded despite all the hype, he knows that being the best team doesn't guarantee success and he's focusing on keeping up the good work 
it's not about what they think they are or what anyone else thinks, it's just how many games they win. and let's be real, being good one game doesn't make you a great team 
Derek McInnes is doing a great job, and Lawrence Shankland's Scotland recall is well-deserved. He's been on fire this season! 
despite being ahead in the Scottish Premiership table! He's not getting too cocky about it and is focusing on maintaining their high level of performance 
What really impresses me is Lawrence Shankland's inclusion in Steve Clarke's Scotland squad 
– he's clearly doing something right 
! As for McInnes' comment about not needing to "keep our shoulders to the wheel"