Derek Mcinnes: Hearts face ‘excellent challenge’ against Celtic, says Boss

Mcinnes’ Aberdeen finished runners-up to Celtic in the Scottish Cup and Finals in the Scottish Cup and League Cup, as well as four times in the Premier League. At Kilmarnock, he enjoyed two victories in Brendan Rodger’s side in Season 2023-24, including the Premier Sports Cup.

“When you play Celtic, you have to be first and you have to play hard to get anything out of the game,” Mcinnes explained.

“I play against Brendan’s teams often enough and he is a top manager, top operator. Celtic are focused on top players. They spend the money they get because of the need to have a good, good level of player.

“So, we have our work cut out on Sunday to get a result. All I focus on is the reason our opponent. I can’t be a chance. I can’t be an opponent, are they not poor or strong.

“We believe we have a performance that can win the game.”

Mcinnes said victory, and an eight-point lead, in top spot “would be a good shot from us”.

“We can also have two points clear,” he added. “We understand that we are eight or nine games away from Sunday. If we win, I think we will not lose confidence and we will not continue to believe and believe in our work.

“There are a lot of people who want to see some kind of anti-natural order in the old company challenged for titles and also want to see us fail and hit the world.”