The fact that Hearts are currently joint-top of the Premiership despite not being at full strength provides them with comfort and security.

Some established players are injured, new signings are still adjusting, and more recruits will be added. Nonetheless, Derek McInnes has managed to propel his club to the top of the Scottish Professional Football League pyramid after finishing eighth last season.

It’s quite a feat. It’s encouraging, if you’ll excuse the pun, for supporters to see that their team can still progress while trying to keep up with Celtic.

Hearts are now nine points clear of Rangers and 12 points ahead of Aberdeen following an exciting triumph at Ibrox in their most recent match. Strange as it may appear, those two clubs are currently second-bottom and bottom of the league, respectively, as the weekend’s fixtures approach.

With only a few games played by each team, the campaign is still in its early stages, so no one should get ahead of themselves. However, Hearts can be certain that their ultra-competitive group will continue to improve in the coming weeks for a variety of reasons.

First, defenders Jamie McCart and Christian Borchgrevink have returned to full fitness following ankle and thigh injuries.

McCart’s experience adds another valuable member to the centre defensive unit, while Borchgrevink’s return should improve what appears to be a perpetually difficult right-back position at Tynecastle Park. Behind them, German custodian Alexander Schwolow is expected to gain strength and sharpness following a solid debut at Ibrox.