Hearts' 'laidback' build-up to Tynecastle blockbuster

Derek McInnes admits it has been a "long week" waiting for Hearts' Monday night showdown with Rangers.

The mood in the table-topping Tynecastle squad is high after their comeback derby win at Easter Road last Sunday.

So how have McInnes and the players prepared for arguably the club's biggest game in decades?

"I think we've deliberately not spoken too much about the game," said the 54-year-old head coach.

"It's been a long week, obviously, Sunday to Monday. This is our longest period because we go Monday to Saturday and then we'll get three games in a week, so we take the good of having those extra rest days.

"We'll start to make a bit more reference to it today with the players and speak a bit about the game itself. But I think it's getting the balance right.

"The week's been pretty laidback. We just want to make sure we're strong at the right time, not too early in the week. I think it's important that we just enjoy our work this week.

"We've probably got so many different nationalities in the dressing room, we just try and lean on everything we've got.

"Some have been in title races before, some haven't. Some have been here a long time and are just enjoying what we're doing.

"I think we're all pretty relaxed day to day and then obviously make sure we're switched on and ready to compete on Monday just as we've done all season. At Tynecastle in particular we have been really strong so hopefully we can continue that."

McInnes, who hopes to have either Cammy Devlin or Harry Milne back from injury for the visit of third-place Rangers, says Sabah Kerjota's impressive derby impact has given him "food for thought".

The Albanian came off the bench at half-time and set up both goals in the 2-1 win against nine-man Hibs, but has yet to start a game this season.

"There's no doubting Sabah's contribution at Easter Road, it was the perfect time for him to go and showcase what he's got," said McInnes.

"He's utilised his involvement with us very well this season. Of course you're drawn to players who are playing well and training well, we look at every eventuality. We're delighted with Sabah and I think he'll have an even bigger impact next season."