Why McInnes thinks ‘huge underdogs’ Hearts will get stronger

Hearts head coach Derek McInnes believes his side “will get stronger” for the Scottish Premiership run-in after victory over Dundee ensured the leaders will go into the international break still top of the pile.

Oisin McEntee’s header secured victory and a fourth consecutive 1-0 home league win for McInnes’ side, while welcoming back captain Lawrence Shankland and key midfielder Cammy Devlin for the first time since January.

Celtic had moved four points closer to Hearts with those two players absent, with Rangers also narrowing the gap.

But having done enough to ensure they move into April leading the way McInnes believes returning players strengthen his hand for the final seven games.

“I actually think the belief that I’ve got in the team is even more than it’s ever been, because I know what’s coming behind it,” McInnes said.

“I know what’s coming back for Livingston.

“I’ve got [Tomas] Magnusson, [Harry] Milne and [Craig] Halkett back, and I should have [Stuart] Findlay and [Stephen] Kingsley back.

“I’ve got my captain back now for another couple of weeks training, I’ve got Cammy Devlin back, I’ve got Beni Baningime back. We will get stronger, and we’re going to need that strength.

“We’ve been tested of late but despite all that, we’re going to be top of the league in April.

Before McEntee’s winner the biggest cheer of the day at Tynecastle was for Shankland coming on as a substitute in the 54th minute for Pierre Landry Kabore.

Despite missing six weeks, he is Hearts’ second-top scorer in the league this season with 11 and though he did not add to that against Dundee, his influence was clear.

He had more shots on goal than Kabore, and found the target more than Claudio Braga despite fewer minutes on the pitch.

He completed all seven of his passes into the final third and brought more composure to Hearts’ attack, allowing them to sustain pressure which eventually paid off.

Former Dundee striker Rory Loy pointed out on BBC Radio Scotland’s Sportsound Shankland’s return also brought more from Alexandros Kyziridis in the short time they were on together, with the Greek winger struggling a bit in his captain’s absence.

“In the 10-15 minutes they were on the park together, Kyziridis’ starting position was 10-15 yards higher up the pitch,” Loy said.

“He knows Shankland is going to win something. He set up the chance for Shankland when he turned and had the shot that was saved.

Managers often like to play down the influence of individuals, preferring to focus on the team as a whole.

But after the game McInnes did the complete opposite when asked about Shankland.

“Part of it is the lift he gives everybody,” the Hearts head coach said.

“We all feel the same about Lawrence. Every Hearts supporter, all his team-mates, all the staff, we feel so much better when he’s there.

“He’s a huge influence on our team. He’s been a huge influence on things even when he’s been out, he’s been a proper captain.

What was also refreshing for the Hearts manager was the nature of their winning goal, with McEntee’s towering header coming from a lovely Marc Leonard free-kick.

Hearts and Rangers have led the way for set-piece goals in the Premiership this season.

However, the league leaders have been less effective in that area in the past six weeks or so, despite getting plenty of corners and free-kicks.

The recent absence of Findlay, who tops the charts for headed goals in the league, may be a factor, as well as Shankland.

McEntee has also been struggling with a shoulder injury, but at over 6ft tall, made a timely return to potency in the box, as he showed in the win away at Celtic December.

With most of his squad due back in time for the Livingston game on 5 April, McInnes is demanding a return to their old standards.

“We spoke yesterday at the team meeting about – can we be the best team at set-plays between now and the end of the season?

“We’re off to a good start. Delighted for Ross [Grant], my set-piece coach, because it’s not been easy when the finger is being pointed.