Football Apr 10, 2026

Scottish Premiership title race: Hearts boss Derek McInnes ready for 'most dramatic fixture' in finale with Celtic

👤
By Admin
Sports Journalist
Scottish Premiership title race: Hearts boss Derek McInnes ready for 'most dramatic fixture' in finale with Celtic

Derek McInnes is excited about what he believes could be the "most dramatic fixture you can have" when Hearts visit Celtic on the last day of the Scottish Premiership season.

With six league matches remaining, the Jambos are one point ahead of second-placed Rangers, with Celtic a further two behind going into the final pre-split fixtures next weekend.

Hearts boss McInnes noted the annual noise around the make-up of the , but declared himself "excited about the prospect of the games coming up", including what could be a last-day shootout in the east end of Glasgow.

"The first (thought) was for the fans because obviously there's an effect on them getting 600 tickets, which is the way," said McInnes about the trip to Celtic Park on May 16.

"But I also thought that the league's going to try and get a fixture at the death that would be pretty key and hopefully we're still in a chance of winning the title going into the last game.

"I think it's an unbelievable fixture if we are, particularly if Celtic have still got a chance as well.

"If both teams are still in the mix for winning the league, it's the most dramatic fixture you can have.

"Obviously Rangers are going to have a lot to say about that and they've got a difficult away game in last game of the season as well.

"I think it's up to the league and the TV companies to try and maximise the drama and we've got to accept that.

"But a brilliant game to be involved in, particularly if we still have an opportunity.

"When you look at the way the league is just now with six games to go, I think it's more likely to go to the last game than not."

McInnes revealed Tomas Magnusson would have a scan on a thigh problem sustained in training last week which would "maybe" keep him out for the rest of the season, while he confirmed the Gorgie club would appeal Marc Leonard's red card for a 'last man' tackle on Robbie Muirhead during Sunday's 2-2 draw at Livingston.

Asked if Magnusson was likely to be out for the rest of season, he added: "Maybe, we are just getting a second opinion."

He then offered some positive news on the injury front, saying: "Stuart Findlay back. Harry Milne is back running today, so not ruled out for the weekend.

"Magnusson out. Calem Nieuwenhof (hamstring) out, Ageu (thigh) out. (Stephen) Kingsley came through at Livingston.

"Craig Gordon (shoulder) is looking to try and do some goalkeeping work next week, he's improving steadily."

Tags:

football news

Share this article

Related Posts

Chris Lock interview: Former firefighter turned Charlton coach is now working with England's best young talents

Chris Lock interview: Former firefighter turned Charlton coach is now working with England's best young talents

"I am at a house fire," Chris Lock tells Your Site. "I have a crew of four on my fire engine. There is a fire downstairs, a person upstairs at the win...

FA Cup semi-final draw: Chelsea face Leeds as Man City drawn with Southampton

FA Cup semi-final draw: Chelsea face Leeds as Man City drawn with Southampton

Chelsea have been drawn against Leeds United in the FA Cup semi-finals while Manchester City will play against Championship side Southampton.booked th...

Liverpool 'gave up' during 4-0 defeat by Man City in FA Cup quarter-final, says captain Virgil van Dijk

Liverpool 'gave up' during 4-0 defeat by Man City in FA Cup quarter-final, says captain Virgil van Dijk

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk accused his team of giving up and apologised to fans following their FA Cup humiliation at Manchester City.The Reds'...

Scottish title race: Derek McInnes defends Hearts' chances, 'simple' what Celtic must do says Martin O'Neill

Scottish title race: Derek McInnes defends Hearts' chances, 'simple' what Celtic must do says Martin O'Neill

Derek McInnes said league leaders Hearts remain in a "strong position" despite missing the opportunity to move three points clear at the top of the ta...

Chelsea: Liam Rosenior insists relationship with Enzo Fernandez 'in a very good place' despite midfielder being dropped amid transfer talk

Chelsea: Liam Rosenior insists relationship with Enzo Fernandez 'in a very good place' despite midfielder being dropped amid transfer talk

Liam Rosenior insists his relationship with Enzo Fernandez "is in a very good place" despite him dropping the Chelsea midfielder.Fernandez was sat beh...

Arsenal: Mikel Arteta has injuries, errors and a charging Man City to worry about as Gunners wobble at key moment

Arsenal: Mikel Arteta has injuries, errors and a charging Man City to worry about as Gunners wobble at key moment

Mikel Arteta said the pain of Arsenal's Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City would help them in the run-in. Keeping the narrative positive afte...