Hearts’ next two opponents are Falkirk and Hibs, who meet on consecutive Saturdays before the next international break.

Both matchups provide possibilities for Derek McInnes’ team to maintain their lead in the William Hill Premiership. Level on points with Celtic ahead of Falkirk’s visit to Tynecastle Park this weekend, the Hearts manager understands that every game is important, and the next two are no exception.

He also understands that many observers are waiting for his squad to fail. Pre-season statements by Tony Bloom, a new investor at the Edinburgh club, about finishing second and eventually fighting for the league crown piqued the interest of the Scottish football community.

McInnes’ aim, however, is to keep players grounded. He hasn’t had much trouble managing a 29-man first-team group. Is it difficult to keep everyone’s feet on the ground?

“Everybody’s feet are firmly on the ground,” he stated. “We are five games in. If we’re 35 games in, it’s a different story, but we still have a long way to go.

I actually believe, and I’ve mentioned this to a number of the lads who have been here, that you don’t really get a sense of where each team is headed until two rounds in.

After you’ve completed two rounds of fixtures, you can begin to consider your ambitions. At the moment, our goal is simply to win the next game. There’s nothing else, and I can’t emphasise that enough.”

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