Celtic: Mark Fotheringham called to apologise – Derek McInnes

Hearts head to Dundee United on Saturday hoping to extend their lead at the top of the Premiership with Celtic and Rangers not playing until Sunday afternoon.

But McInnes says his players need to concentrate on what lies ahead of them rather than be concerned about how other teams will fare.

“I believe that we can win games, but you look at the next four fixtures, each one is a proper challenge for us,” he added.

“I’m just really concentrating on making sure we pick the right team and trying to get the right performance. It’s not really about mind games and trying to send out a signal.

“Take care of the game first, win the game, and then however people react to that is up to them.”

Hearts have confirmed Uganda forward Rogers Mato, 22, will join the club immediately after they agreed a loan until the end of the season with North Macedonian side Vardar.

McInnes is pleased to strengthen his options now, with Scotland striker Lawrence Shankland out until March with a hamstring strain.

“I think the club’s done well to get him this window. We were always hopeful of that. I think he’s an exciting young player,” he said.

“He brings a lot of pace. He can play across the front line. So he has great versatility.

“Sometimes I feel we need that wee bit more pace at the top end of the pitch. The potential’s clear and he’s done quite a lot for somebody so young.”