Hearts on brink of immortality - and strong enough to finish job

[BBC]

Believe. The word that now defines Hearts' bid to win the Scottish Premiership.

I have changed my mind more times than I care to admit over whether this team can actually do it. But with the finishing line in sight, the equation is simple: Hearts are four points away from immortality.

Only Martin O'Neill and his Celtic side can now prevent what once felt like a pipe dream from becoming history.

I have no doubt this squad is strong enough to finish the job, both in terms of quality on the pitch and resilience off it. Their character has been questioned all season, but in recent weeks they have looked every inch a side capable of handling the pressure.

Hearts have already come through a season shaped by upheaval elsewhere, facing five different Old Firm managers, and there may yet be more change to come. That, however, is for another day. For now, everything rests on the next five days.

If I could turn back time, I would have put £20 on Hearts to win the league the moment Tony Bloom made his comments on the eve of the Aberdeen game.

Bloom was mocked in some quarters when he suggested Hearts would win the league at least once in the next decade and close the gap on Celtic this season.

He may yet be proved absolutely right.

What I do not accept is the lazy argument Hearts are top only because Celtic and Rangers have underperformed. It is an unfair reading of the season and diminishes what Hearts have earned.

Hearts are in pole position because they have taken nine points from 12 against Rangers and seven from nine against Celtic. Title challenges are built on results like that.

Those results have rattled two clubs long regarded as untouchable forces. Now we must show the nerve to land the decisive blow.

There should be no expectation Falkirk will simply roll over. They will want to finish strongly and many of their players will see Wednesday night as a chance to impress on a high-profile global stage.

Hearts could lift the title as early as Wednesday night, provided they take care of business in Gorgie and Motherwell beat Celtic.

My expectation, however, is Celtic - still buoyed by their victory over Rangers - will beat Motherwell comfortably.

That would leave a winner-takes-all showdown at Parkhead on Saturday and I would back Hearts to come through that occasion intact.