Hearts facing 'toughest challenge' - McInnes

Scottish Premiership: Hearts v Celtic

Venue: Tynecastle Park, Edinburgh Date: Sunday, 26 October Time: 12:00 GMT

Coverage: Listen on BBC Radio Scotland, live text commentary on the BBC Sport website, highlights on BBC Scotland from 19:15

Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts face "the toughest challenge" against defending champions Celtic on Sunday, says Derek McInnes.

The sides are separated by five points, meaning McInnes' team will remain top regardless of the outcome in Edinburgh.

Hearts are also unbeaten in the league this term, dropping only two points, while Celtic lost their first Premiership game of the season at Dundee on Sunday.

"For us, we're facing the toughest challenge," said McInnes.

"Celtic always provide the toughest challenge, certainly in recent seasons. It's a test that we're looking forward to. It's a test that we feel we're going into in good form.

"We feel ready. The supporters feel ready for it."

McInnes' Aberdeen side finished runners-up to Celtic in Scottish Cup and League Cup finals, as well as four times in the Premiership. At Kilmarnock, he enjoyed two wins over Brendan Rodgers' side in season 2023-24, including the Premier Sports Cup.

"When you play Celtic, you've got to be on point and you're going to have to play really well to get anything from the game," McInnes explained.

"I've played against Brendan's teams often enough and he's such a top manager, top operator. Celtic are littered with top players. They spend the money on the squad that they've got because of the demand and they're such a good, high-level player.

"So, we've got our work cut out on Sunday to get a result. All I'm focusing on is us trying to be the toughest opponent for them and make sure our performance gives us a chance. I can't be dependent on any opponent, whether they're poor or strong.

"We believe there's a performance in us that can win the game."

McInnes said victory, and an eight-point lead, in top spot "would be good shooting from us".

"We could also only be two points clear," he added. "We understand that we're only eight or nine games in after Sunday. If we can win, I think it'll be brilliant for confidence and belief. If we don't win, it's not going to stop us and we'll just keep trying to believe and be confident with our work going forward.

"There's a lot of people who would like to see some sort of opposition to the natural order with the Old Firm challenging for titles. There's also a lot of people who are a bit envious of us at the minute and would love to see us fail and slap down to earth."