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Football

Can resolute Hearts capitalise on window of opportunity?

McInnes suggested his side might have got away with one when he was asked about the decision to deny St Mirren going into a 3-1 lead in Paisley.

The VAR team deemed Mark O’Hara, who was in an offside position, interfered with play by blocking the path of Lawrence Shankland when Hearts were attempting to defend a deep free-kick.

The move ended with Miguel Freckleton escaping Hearts’ high line and scoring what he felt was a third St Mirren goal, but referee Matthew MacDermid agreed with the VAR when he reached the monitor.

That set-play was one of many that caused carnage in the Hearts box, something McInnes referred to post-match.

But the Hearts boss was equally as keen to reference the resilient mentality that ensured his side left Paisley with a point, extending their 10-game unbeaten start.

“We’re disappointed with the goals we lose,” McInnes added. “It’s the first time we’ve looked susceptible from set-plays.

“Sometimes St Mirren put that pressure on you and you make poor decisions. But by and large I thought we were good in the game.

“I loved the way the team were at the end. The support stay there at the death because they feel another goal is coming.

“That’s a great feeling to have as a manager, you feel the players are doing everything to get that winning goal.”

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Football

Can Hearts fans dare to dream of title challenge?

The early-season optimism in Gorgie has been well documented following the £10m investment from Tony Bloom, who bullishly claimed Hearts are in a position to challenge for second this season.

Many sneered at the comments from the Brighton owner, but with each passing week that bold assessment is looking more realistic with Rangers in turmoil and Celtic yet to hit top gear.

Both Old Firm clubs will play their games in hand over Hearts on Sunday, but already Russell Martin’s men are 12 points behind the leaders while the reigning champions now have a five-point gap to close.

However, some have used Aberdeen’s collapse last term as a reason to put a lid on the positivity bubbling away at Tynecastle.

Jimmy Thelin’s side won 10 of their first 11 league games and were at one stage 12 points clear of Rangers, who then ended the campaign 22 ahead of the Dons.

But, like McInnes, former Rangers and Hibernian midfielder Kevin Thomson says Hearts fans have every right to get carried away amid a stunning start to the season.

“The Hearts fans should be excited and get carried away,” said Thomson on BBC Sportsound. “They’re singing and dancing. That’s why we’re football fans.

“Can Hearts continue to beat the rest? I don’t think anyone can underestimate how difficult it is to win a lot of games on the bounce. It’s a tough ask.

“But, if I was a Hearts fan, I would be optimistic and getting carried away like everyone else.”

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