Derek McInnes told Hearts title challenge essentials as Jury pardons David Gray for Hibs start.

Hearts showed great character to win a crucial derby; what will Derek McInnes need in January to keep this title push going?

KEITH JACKSON: He’ll need to fix the right side of his team, as there is a clear imbalance and round pegs in square holes right now. Other than that?

They appear to be in excellent physical condition to take on a credible challenge. Andy Newport: It will be more about adding depth to the squad than messing with a starting lineup that is performing well on its own right now.

The lack of European participation this season is a plus, but if Hearts are to go the distance, they will require good reserves.

SCOTT MCDERMOTT: Simply being in contention at the top come January will be critical to any chance of a title push. Then, McInnes must be permitted to enhance his squad throughout the transfer window in order to compete again. Not with wholesale alterations, but rather with upgrades to a select positions.

MICHAEL GANNON: With Tony Bloom in charge, Hearts will go through a transformation. It will be critical to retain essential personnel while also increasing quality.

One win in seven for Hibs on the top of Euro and League Cup exits – is David Gray under pressure?

KEITH: No. He was under pressure 12 months ago, but he came through and deserved every bit of the trust he has received. Saturday’s injury-time setback demonstrates that they are not far from turning the curve again.

ANDY: Nowhere near it. Grey will be the most frustrated man in Leith right now, but he was correct in pointing out that his side’s margins are the best imaginable. Hit the crossbar at one end, only to concede a sloppy goal at the other. It’s frustrating, but Grey resolved the issue last year and will do so again this year.

SCOTT: No. Last season, he demonstrated that he is an excellent manager and an ideal fit for that club. They are not powerful enough defensively. If he can figure that out, they’ll start winning games.

MICHAEL: There’s no chance. Grey has gotten off to a good start this season, with several close games. Hibees will be alright.

A huge week for Scotland as they prepare for World Cup qualifiers against Greece and Belarus – what is the minimum requirement?

KEITH: Steve Clarke has already stated that Scotland needs six points out of six. A victory over the Greeks would effectively kill them off in the section. And a win over Belarus would give Scotland a good chance of qualifying without the hardship of the play-offs.

ANDY: It must be two wins. Scotland has created a significant opportunity with last month’s results on the road. They now need to back it up at Hampden. If they do that, they will have one foot planted halfway across the Atlantic.

SCOTT: 4 points. We need six following a draw in Denmark. But Greece are a good team, as they demonstrated at Hampden recently. If we don’t beat them at home, we’ll likely have to win in Athens to qualify.

Steve Clarke has picked three keepers who are second choice for their clubs – who should be No1 for Thursday’s Greece clash at Hampden?

KEITH: Craig Gordon was recalled for a specific reason. Even at 42 years old, he is the most capable of handling the situation.

ANDY: If Gordon had been able to play a couple of first-team games after returning from injury, I’d be backing him to start, but he was only back on the bench for the first time on Saturday night, so Angus Gunn must continue in goal.

SCOTT: It has to be Angus Gunn, given that he has played in the last two games and hasn’t made a mistake, particularly against Denmark in Copenhagen. Craig Gordon’s comeback from injury is still in its early stages.MICHAEL:

Angus Gunn is the man in charge and deserves to remain there. It’s not ideal having individuals out of action, but the gloves men have proven to be dependable.

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