‘So many positives’ for Hearts despite final day pain – McInnes

Derek McInnes believes Heart of Midlothian can use this season as a springboard once they recover from the hurt of the final day.

The Edinburgh side needed to avoid defeat at Celtic Park on Saturday to become champions of Scotland for the first time since 1960 but conceded two late goals in a 3-1 defeat.

Having been top of the table since September, Hearts finished second on 80 points, two behind Celtic.

“In the cold light of day, when we look back, there’s been so much positivity from where we were at the beginning of the season,” McInnes said after collecting the Scottish Football Writers’ Association manager of the year award.

“The intention now is to dust ourselves down and try and enjoy our break but be ready for the challenges ahead.

“I fully believe that those challenges are going to be met, with the enthusiasm from everybody at the club and the desire to improve and make it the norm for us to be challenging for trophies.

“I firmly believe that those expectations will be met as we go on. I think this season has given us so much encouragement.

“For us to reach 80 points, a club record, and be involved in the Champions League qualifiers in July, there are so many positives from the campaign.”