Heart of Midlothian

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

No wonder there is renewed optimism around Tynecastle this season. And the team's flying start to the campaign has further bolstered the feelgood factor.

The majority of the new signings have hit the ground running and there is a visible bounce in the step of everyone associated at Hearts.

New investor Tony Bloom's comments about challenging for the title maybe caught some people off guard, but the Brighton owner has a track record of success both in business and sport, so when he speaks we should listen.

Derek McInnes has also introduced an attacking and more robust style of play that is exciting for supporters to watch. In the six games played so far his team have scored 21 goals and conceded just three.

But the shots on goal tally - over 100 - is quite astonishing and provides evidence that the new players and the style is working.

This weekend is likely to be the toughest test so far for Hearts.

St Mirren tend to give the Tynecastle side a difficult time in Paisley, as was the case last season with Hearts suffering a league defeat and penalty shootout win in the Scottish Cup.

But there is a steeliness in this Hearts team that has been missing for some years. And roared on again by a huge travelling support, they will travel with a positive outlook of reaching the last eight of the League Cup.

George O'Neill
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, SNS

Hearts head coach Derek McInnes has hailed the impact of set-play coach Ross Grant.

Grant joined in June from Dundee United, having previously worked under former Hearts and Scotland coach Austin MacPhee.

McInnes' side continued their flawless start to the season on Saturday at Tannadice with a 3-2 win where all three goals stemmed from dead-ball scenarios.

And McInnes says Grant's influence has been important as Hearts seek minor gains.

"Set-plays have always been a huge part for any team," he said. "I've seen the gains that can be made and as a manager, you have to take advantage. There's a lot of clubs so finely balanced and sometimes set-plays can be the difference.

"We've obviously brought in Ross to aid us with that and it's his job to look forensically at the opposition and where we can get gains.

"It's something we've always done as a staff, but we've got that added time and added focus on it from Ross. He's done brilliant and long may it continue.

"It's about identifying areas where we can get as much joy as possible. Underneath it all, it's about good deliveries, good timing and aggressive players wanting to get on the end of it.

"I'm glad we've got Ross. He's been huge value to us and it's good that he's getting recognition for his work because his work is good."

George O'Neill
BBC Sport Scotland

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Hearts head coach Derek McInnes has been talking to the media before his side's League Cup tie at St Mirren on Saturday.

Here are the best bits from his news conference:

• He wasn't "jumping through hoops" about playing St Mirren when the draw was made, but says you have to beat good teams to win silverware and made it clear that is one of the main goals for this season.

• McInnes adds: "There's not one player should have signed for Hearts without having that aspiration to win a trophy here."

• He insists Hearts think they are "good enough to go the full way" in cup competitions and there's nothing wrong in saying so.

• On Hearts' fast start to the season, McInnes says new investment, a new manager, a new way of working and the League Cup group stages mean you can build confidence quickly.

• He also points out there were already good players at Hearts and says the club have not done anything special yet. They need to "set about the task quietly, don't bump our gums, work hard and see where it takes us".

• McInnes spoke about the importance of dead-ball situations, which played a crucial role in the win at Dundee United. Set-piece coach Ross Grant has brought "huge value" since joining in June. Grant "looks forensically" at opposition and brings an additional focus - "it's about identifying areas where we think we can get as much joy as possible".

• Adam Forrester returning to Hearts shows the "beauty of the cooperation loan" with St Johnstone, according to McInnes. Hearts "felt it was a good move to maintain his minutes", but had to act after Christian Borchgrevink's injury.

• McInnes played down the prospect of signing another right-back, stressing there isn't unlimited money available. He expects Borchgrevink to be back quicker than first expected and pointed out Forrester played regularly last season.

• Team news: Calem Nieuwenhof and Beni Baningime both played a bounce game on Tuesday and will be available. Craig Gordon, Jamie McCart and Finlay Pollock are still out, while Kenneth Vargas has a slight hip issue.

Hearts investor Tony Bloom was not involved in recruiting head coach Derek McInnes but considers the move "a really good appointment". (Record), external

Bloom believes McInnes can help Hearts get the best out of the Brighton owner's Jamestown Analytics firm. (Scotsman - subscription required), external

Read Wednesday's Scottish gossip

Greg Playfair
Fan writer

There's a lot to be admired at the fact Hearts are at the dizzying heights at the top of the Scottish football after two league games, despite not playing 'good football' consistently in either match.

Let's be honest, style of play is only questioned if a team isn't winning. Look at last Sunday's last-minute winner from Stuart Findlay at Tannadice and the euphoria it brought to the 2,500-plus travelling Jambos.

How many of them cared that all our three goals were scored from a set-piece rather than a 51-pass move? The answer is nobody.

That's one of the reasons I'm pleased Derek McInnes is our head coach - he will turn us back into a side that's willing to roll the sleeves up and scrap for results.

I got ribbed last week by Hibs-supporting mates who think it's fantasy stuff for Hearts to be even on the coat-tails of Celtic and Rangers this season, but they'll both be lucky to finish within single digit points of us as we cruise to a domestic treble in Tony Bloom's debut year.

Of course that's said with a bit of jest, but I'm very heartened by the start we've made to the McInnes era, winning all six games so far.

It's not escaped me we have still to play the Old Firm and Hibs and then we can really evaluate our early progress.

The only concerns right now are regarding the bloated squad yet a lack of options at the right side of defence. It was inevitable Christian Borchgrevink, who had previously been out of action for over 14 months with a knee injury, would end up on the treatment table.

The likes of Kenneth Vargas, Musa Drammeh and Sander Kartum look set to depart in the next couple of weeks, but despite what some Hearts supporters are saying after the Dundee United game, I don't expect any movement in the goalkeeping department.

Zander Clark had a performance he'd like fans to gloss over but I'm not sure we need to consign him to working in the pie stand at Tynecastle just yet.

Clark can bounce back but I wouldn't be against handing Ryan Fulton a start against St Mirren in the League Cup game on Saturday in Paisley. It's healthy to have competition for places and Fulton hasn't let the side down in his five appearances since joining last year.

Heart of Midlothian have decided to recall right-back Adam Forrester just five days after the 20-year-old joined St Johnstone on loan. (The Courier - subscription required), external

With right-back Christian Borchgrevink ruled out for six to eight weeks, Hearts plan to play Adam Forrester in a bounce game on Tuesday before deciding whether to recall him from his co-operation loan to St Johnstone. (Jamie Borthwick on X), external

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Hearts defender Stuart Findlay reckons "sheer willingness to want to win" pushed him on to score the side's dramatic late winner at Tannadice.

The centre-back headed home an equaliser before the hour mark and sealed a 3-2 victory four minutes into stoppage time when he again converted following a corner.

The Jambos now sit at the summit of the Premiership table after two games, level on points with Celtic.

Centre-back Findlay, who has an impressive four goals in his last five games for Derek McInnes' side, said: "That was a special day for me.

"Dundee United made it really difficult for us in the second half, by sitting in deep. We knew set-pieces were going to be important. I got the second one at a really good time. It gave us a little bit of confidence.

"And obviously, to get the goal in the last minute, it's what dreams are made of to get that goal and make it 3-2. It's one of the best feelings I've had for a long, long time."

The former Kilmarnock defender knows his Tynecastle boss McInnes well from their time in Ayrshire, and is now full of praise for his new fans from Gorgie.

"The first one was probably one of the best technical headers that I've scored, to be able to direct it in," he added.

"The last one, I think it's just about that sheer willingness to want to win the game, to be able to get in front. As soon as I had the flick, I had a really good feeling where it was going to go.

"You can see what it means to the players, what it means to the management, everybody at the end, it was brilliant.

"You look at how the crowd have turned out, it's absolutely sensational. You hear them the full game. It's unbelievable backing. To take that many people after a game on Monday night, to do it so soon after, it was really special."

We asked for your views on Hearts 3-2 win over Dundee United.

Here's what you said:

Murray: Exciting time to be a Hearts fan. Still lots of areas we can improve upon and lots of new signings still to play and to be fully bedded into the team but Derek McInnes has the team looking organised and hard working, as you'd hope and expect.

Neil: Sorry but Zander Clark isn't good enough for Hearts. He gave away two goals last season against Dundee and was dropped for Gordon. The difference this time is we have a manager who knows what he's doing. We need a keeper now not wasting time waiting for Craig getting fit.

Bryan: Amazed at the negativity from some Hearts fans! That's 10 wins in a row going back into last season. We've beaten the New Firm back to back - both of whom were comfortably above us last year and in Europe this year! We're top of the league! Enjoy it!

John: If Hearts plan to achieve what Tony Bloom and the fans desire they will need a top-class goalkeeper. They can't keep shipping easy goals.

Fergus: Cautiously optimistic. McInnes needs to sort out the right back position before the window closes, Alan Forrest was badly exposed against United and against better teams, we'd have been punished more! New signings are bedding in well, Braga looks a find! Onwards and upwards.

Ken: Obviously not happy about the lost goals, but this team looks as though it's got a different mentality from those of the past few seasons. Because of that alone, we can be optimistic.

Liam: A huge three points. Dundee United will be right up there this season, they look a proper side. Hearts have totally changed the narrative around us. We used to be a soft touch, roll over and have our bellies rubbed. McInnes has brought the heart back to Hearts. Win your battles, run yourself into the ground, you'll get your rewards. Superb. Gorgie rules.

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

Stuart Findlay: The new Lawrence Shankland?

I jest, but three goals in two matches will do nicely for the centre back who was immense again for Hearts as they picked up a very tasty three points away at Dundee United.

Highlights of Dundee United 2-3 Hearts in the Scottish Premiership.

Heart of Midlothian are considering recalling 20-year-old Adam Forrester from his loan to St Johnstone after Christian Borchgrevink was ruled out for a number of weeks with a thigh injury, leaving the Premiership club short at right-back. (Edinburgh Evening News), external

Read Monday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Two second-half goals from centre-back Stuart Findlay - including the winner in the 94th minute - stunned Dundee United as Hearts salvaged their 100% start to the Scottish Premiership campaign.

Read the match report and have your say.

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Hearts manager Derek McInnes: "Every victory is different and a late winner is magnificent. It says a lot about the squad, the spirit and perseverance. You want to get the reputation if we can for being the best team in the league at set plays. They were a huge part today.

"Dundee United offered so much to the game considering their game on Thursday night. I've been here many a time as a player and manager coming down that slope you want to hem Dundee United in. But it was so stop-start, physios coming on, bookings and free kicks. It was all just a bit scrappy.

"I think at 2-2 Dundee United would have come out with a lot more credit. But we're delighted with the win. It shows the importance of set-plays and the freshness from the bench. With the benefit of not playing in Europe we looked stronger in the latter part of the game.

"I couldn't get him [Stuart Findlay] to score a goal at Kilmarnock. He did everything but. He was outstanding as a defender and person in the dressing room. But it's good to get his moment to shine. As a defender, that's where he's judged.

"He defended well enough today, but obviously you put your demand on the centre-halves when they go up there."

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Isaac Pappoe joined Dundee United's injury list after being carried off with a knee injury against Rapid Vienna.

Ryan Strain, Kristijan Trapanovski and Ross Graham are all missing with hamstring injuries. But Dario Naamo and Amar Fatah are closing in on comebacks.

Hearts could hand a debut to Pierre Landry Kabore while fellow summer signing Sabah Kerjota is available after suspension.

Craig Gordon (shoulder), Jamie McCart (ankle), Kenneth Vargas (hip) and Finlay Pollock (hamstring) are still out, while Beni Baningime (knee) and Calem Nieuwenhof (hamstring) have an outside chance of being involved.

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Hearts midfielder Cammy Devlin says his contract situation will "take care of itself" as he enters the final year of his Tynecastle deal.

Devlin is now in his fifth season at the club, and Hearts took up the option to extend his stay last year, but as it stands he will be free to speak to other clubs come the start of 2026.

The Australia international has recently been praised by new head coach Derek McInnes, but the 27-year-old admits he doesn't "really like thinking about" his contract potentially expiring.

"I was in a similar position this time last year in terms of coming to the last year of my contract, and I don't really like thinking about it," he said.

"I think if you just perform well, if I'm fortunate enough to play the games on the weekend, I'll just always put my head down and work as hard as I can and I think it will take care of itself, whether it's a positive or a negative.

"For me personally, I just come into work every day, work as hard as I can and hopefully get picked to play on the weekends."

Devlin says there is a palpable buzz around the club amid Tony Bloom's investment and a winning start to the season in League Cup and Premiership, with a trip to face Dundee United up next on Sunday.

The recent influx of incomings, however, may have put any contract renewal on the backburner for now.

"Yeah, there's always ongoing talks," Devlin said when asked if there had been discussions with the club. "They've spoken to my agent, not me.

"There's been a lot going on with, obviously, Tony Bloom coming in.

"Obviously, the transfer window's open, so there's been so many new players coming in and things like that happening, so I don't think that's the focus now.

"With Tony Bloom coming in, there's a lot of talk going on about that, and there's definitely a lot of excitement around Hearts.

"I feel like there always should be because of the size of the club. When you're playing football, you play to win, so I think when you're at a club this size, you want to be ambitious. You want to win things, so I think it's definitely exciting."

Image source, SNS

• All three league matches between Dundee United and Hearts last season finished as 1-0 wins to the away side, with the Tangerines winning two of those and Hearts the other. United are looking to win back-to-back Premiership games against Hearts for the first time since March 2014.

• Hearts are unbeaten in five Premiership away games at Dundee United (W3 D2) since a 2-1 defeat in February 2016. Hearts could win back-to-back top-fight visits to Tannadice for the first time since December 2002.

• Dundee United have won their opening home game of a Premiership season in just one of their past five top-fight campaigns (D2 L2), beating Rangers 1-0 in 2021-22.

• After their 2-0 victory over Aberdeen, Hearts are looking to start a league season with wins in both of their opening two matches for the first time since 2021-22. Indeed, Derek McInnes could become the first manager to win both of his first two top-fight games in charge of the club since Robbie Neilson in August 2015.

• In their 2-2 draw with Falkirk on matchday one, Max Watters and Ivan Dolcek both scored on their Scottish Premiership debut – no player on record (since 2005-06) has found the net on both of their first two appearances in the competition for Dundee United.

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Derek McInnes is unfazed by attempting to fulfil Tony Bloom's lofty expectations for Hearts after an "enjoyable" first meeting with the new shareholder.

Brighton owner Bloom, who has invested almost £10m in the Tynecastle club and given them access to his Jamestown Analytics company to drive recruitment, this week said Hearts have "a very good chance of at least being second this season" and can win the title within 10 years.

"I think when you hear it from certain people, people can maybe question it, but there's so much validation and confidence with what he says because he clearly has a track record," head coach McInnes said on Bloom's heady targets.

"He's very successful. He utterly believes every word he's saying. He's a very clever man, and he's a very successful man as well.

"You want your owners and people that you work for at the club to have that ambition, and there's a clear ambition from everybody at Hearts, including Tony, to try and drive the whole thing forward here.

"We're all well aware that we're here to be successful – we're not wanting to mess about – and hopefully we can be."

Bloom was in attendance at his first Scottish football match on Monday night - as Hearts started their Premiership season with a 2-0 win over Aberdeen at a packed Tynecastle - and met McInnes the following morning.

"It was enjoyable," McInnes said. "He was getting a tour of the training ground really and seeing everything that's going on here with [sporting director] Graeme Jones, and part of that was obviously to pop in and see me, and we had a good chat.

"We spent over an hour or so together before training and he was very engaging, just really positive and really encouraged by what he sees at the club, encouraged by the start we've had and encouraged by what the future could look like.

"It was nice to actually spend a bit of time with him."

Image source, SNS

Hearts head coach Derek McInnes has been speaking to the media before the Premiership match with Dundee United this weekend.

Here are the key points from his press conference:

• Tony Bloom's comments about Hearts being title contenders are a sign of "so much validation and confidence," says McInnes, given the new Hearts investor is a "very clever man and a very successful man".

• McInnes adds they are fully focused on success at the club and are "not wanting to mess about".

• Bloom and McInnes had an "enjoyable" and "very engaging" first meeting at Tynecastle, with the Brighton owner "encouraged by the start we've had and encouraged by what the future could look like".

• McInnes admits his side have an "advantage" against United because Jim Goodwin's side are playing in Europe on Thursday evening.

• However, he says United will be "ready" to face Hearts and is keen to stress his side can't take anything for granted: "You've still got to turn up and do your job well."

• On versatile newly-signed striker Pierre Landry Kabore: "He can play the second striker, play with a partner, he can play on his own up there."

• Goalkeeper Craig Gordon's recovery from a shoulder injury is "going the right way, but still a slow burner". McInnes adds: "He's getting slightly more strength in the arm and the shoulder, which has been an issue for him."

Image source, SNS

Hearts have entered into a cooperation agreement with Championship side St Johnstone, the club's second under the new Scottish FA initiative.

Right-back Adam Forrester, 20, will join Simo Valakari's squad, who are targeting an immediate return to the Scottish Premiership, on loan for the remainder of the season.

Under player partnership agreements, which came into effect this summer and aim to aid the development of emerging Scottish talent, up to three young players can move more freely between the parent and lower-league club.

Premiership clubs can partner with one team in each of the three SPFL tiers below the top flight.

Derek McInnes' side last month entered into a cooperation agreement with League Two Spartans.

McInnes said Hearts are "very pleased" to partner with the Perth Saints and hopes Forrester receives game-time, which is "crucial for him to keep developing and improving".