‘Very positive’ for Hart despite pain in final days – McInnes

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

The Edinburgh side had 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.

At the top of the table since September, Hearts are second on 80 points, two behind Celtic.

“In the cold light of day, when we look back, there were a lot of positives from where we were at the start of the season,” McInnes said after collecting the Scottish Football Writers’ Association manager of the year award.

“The aim now is to dust ourselves off and try to enjoy our break but be prepared for the challenges ahead.

“I fully believe that those challenges will be met with the enthusiasm and desire of everyone at the club to improve and make it ideal for us to be challenging for trophies.

“I strongly believe that the expectations will be met as we go forward. I think this season has given us a lot of encouragement.

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