MCINNES EXPECTS DIFFICULT RECEPTION ON HEARTS RETURN

Rangers manager Derek McInnes says he felt “guilt” about leaving Hearts for Ibrox in the summer. He returns to Tynecastle on Wednesday and expects a difficult reception from Hearts supporters. McInnes said he understood that response after leaving in the close season following Hearts’ failed title bid. “I loved my time at Hearts, I need to say that,” he said.

Hearts led the Scottish Premiership for much of last season as they pursued their first top-flight title in 66 years. Celtic retained the title on the final day after beating Hearts 3-1 at Celtic Park. McInnes said he had taken Hearts from a bottom-six finish to 80 points and felt proud of what the team achieved. He said the defeat left the squad hurting and that players and staff wanted to stay together at the start of the close season.

McInnes described Hearts as a “really well-run” club and said the team had competed without the financial resources of Rangers and Celtic. He said Hearts remain title contenders under new head coach Wouter Vrancken. McInnes said he hoped to applaud Hearts supporters when he went onto the pitch on Wednesday. He did not expect supporters to acknowledge him in return.