Derek McInnes says table topping Hearts have to embrace spotlight as they aim for successful season

Derek McInnes has called on his Hearts squad to embrace the spotlight that comes with being top of the league.

The Jambos are five points clear at the Premiership summit after eight games, and have the chance to increase that lead even further when they host second-placed Celtic on Sunday.

McInnes, who moved to Tynecastle from Kilmarnock in the summer, has watched his side win seven and draw one of their opening games in the top-flight.

And while he is not getting carried away regarding a genuine title challenge or not, he believes they are en route towards a successful campaign.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, he said: “You would rather this than not, you always want to work for a club with ambition, and I think it’s clear from the outset that this is a club showing that ambition.

“Tony (Bloom’s) comments and his involvement has elevated things, but the fact is that the players are doing their jobs well and we just need to keep concentrating on that.

“I understand that there’s a lot of focus on us, and a spotlight being shone on us at this minute, but we have got to try and embrace that.

“Why would we not? We are working for a big club and an ambitious club, we want to be successful and believe we can be successful, and who is to say we can’t be successful this season, whatever that success looks like.”