Did we get too excited, too soon about Hearts?

A potential storybook season being developed at Tynecastle was just a little over a month ago, according to observers outside of Scottish football.

An eight-point gap at the Scottish Premiership summit had been closed by Hearts’ statement 3-1 victory over reigning champions Celtic. There was a title challenge.

Six games later, the Edinburgh side’s advantage has vanished, with Celtic having only played one game more and a trip to Parkhead looming on Sunday.

Victory in Glasgow’s east end will rekindle interest in Derek McInnes’ pursuit of the title, but the month of August has provided a wake-up call.

Fourth in the last six games, Wednesday’s draw with Kilmarnock received a small amount of dissatisfaction from the fans.

Former Hearts winger Neil McCann blasted the situation on Sportscene, saying, “There was a little booing, probably out of frustration.”

We shall not be moved was sung repeatedly throughout the campaign’s stunning debut by The Hearts support. Even head coach McInnes’ video appeared to be entertaining.

Too early to be taken away? That is undoubtedly what some people will say, but why shouldn’t those scenes have taken place?

Nobody has the authority to control the emotions in a fanbase, but recent weeks have served as a sharp reminder of how difficult it is to keep a non-Old Firm side in the lead without even winning a title.

At this point, nothing is undoubtedly ruled out. Yes, Hearts and an unconvincing Celtic are now on equal terms, but McInnes’ men are still in command.

In 15 games, they have only lost once. Six goals are still scored by them over the Parkhead side in second place. They are still nine points clear of Rangers.

When McInnes’ side thrashed the Glasgow club at Tynecastle in late October, Brendan Rodgers was in charge of Celtic.

The Northern Irishman’s final game was when he resigned abruptly the following day.

In a bid to close the top-four position, legendary Celtic boss Martin O’Neill made a comeback as interim manager to take the lead.

Hearts’ stuttering league form has been a part of that. They have only once won since beating Celtic: a 4-0 victory over Dundee, which was a struggling club.

The results have been consistent for Celtic, who have not pulled up the trees with some league displays, but goals have recently been a problem for the leaders.

Hearts were forced to make up for failing to put the game to bed in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Kilmarnock because they have only scored twice in two of their previous four games.

According to Sportscene pundit Scott Allan, “Hearts were always going to go through a spell where they wouldn’t win games but they’re not losing them.”

They each have a point to add up to when they leave these games.

When Hearts appeared to be threatening to make the impossible possible, McInnes, the experienced manager, never got carried away in front of the media.

He wouldn’t be swept out either if he won on Sunday. If there is another outcome that doesn’t go his way, he won’t be too depressed.

He anticipates that Celtic will benefit from Wilfried Nancy’s appointment, whose first game will be played on Sunday.

This season already points to the start of an exciting new era for Hearts and the Scottish game.