Hearts: Why Derek McInnes thinks side ‘will get stronger’

Hearts head coach Derek McInnes believes his side “will get stronger” for the Scottish Premiership run-in after victory over Dundee ensured the leaders will go into the international break still top of the pile.

Oisin McEntee’s header secured victory and a fourth consecutive 1-0 home league win for McInnes’ side, while welcoming back captain Lawrence Shankland and key midfielder Cammy Devlin for the first time since January.

Celtic had moved four points closer to Hearts with those two players absent, with Rangers also narrowing the gap.

But having done enough to ensure they move into April leading the way McInnes believes returning players strengthen his hand for the final seven games.

“I actually think the belief that I’ve got in the team is even more than it’s ever been, because I know what’s coming behind it,” McInnes said.

“I know what’s coming back for Livingston.

“I’ve got [Tomas] Magnusson, [Harry] Milne and [Craig] Halkett back, and I should have [Stuart] Findlay and [Stephen] Kingsley back.

“I’ve got my captain back now for another couple of weeks training, I’ve got Cammy Devlin back, I’ve got Beni Baningime back. We will get stronger, and we’re going to need that strength.

“We’ve been tested of late but despite all that, we’re going to be top of the league in April.

“We’re huge underdogs, but for us still to be where we are, churning out victories, as we did again, there’s a lot to be said for 1-0 victories.”