Derek McInnes’s obsession with Celtic increases as the gap closes

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The Celtic Star

·20 March 2026

Derek McInnes’s obsession with Celtic increases as the gap closes

Obsessed Derek McInnes has once again referenced Celtic while speaking to the media, following a difficult weekend for his side…

The Tynecastle outfit slipped up against relegation-threatened Kilmarnock, a result that allowed Celtic to close the gap at the top of the Scottish Premiership table.

The Hoops’ 3-1 victory over Motherwell on the same day leaves Martin O’Neill’s side just two points behind the current league leaders. Despite the pressure mounting, McInnes appeared keen to maintain an underdog mentality ahead of Hearts’ upcoming clash with Dundee.

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He said via BBC Scotland: “I think when you look at the teams round about us, out the last five games, we’ve won three out of five, I think Celtic have won three, Motherwell have won three, I think Rangers are two out of five.

“So nobody is really catching fire and winning the games. I think it shows you the difficulty for so many teams. Because you’re playing teams, like we played Kilmarnock, who are fighting for their lives. And it showed in their performance.

“I know that a lot can be made of our performance, but you’ve also got to credit the opposition. So every game has brought difficulties and challenges. Constantly fighting, being the underdog is something that’s played a big part in us.

“We’re up against two heavyweights. The teams in Glasgow who’ve got so many obvious advantages over us.

“But what we’ve got is real strength. We’ve got real strength and a real will to do well, a real togetherness to do well, and we’re screaming with ambition to do well. These boys deserve all the support going forward with these next few days.”

Looking ahead, Hearts are set to face Dundee, Livingston and Motherwell before the league splits, with a return trip to Celtic Park still to come next month or May. They will also play the Rangers at Tynecastle post split.

Martin O’Neill applauds the Celtic support. theRangers v Celtic. 1st March 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou

Meanwhile, Celtic are preparing for consecutive away fixtures in Dundee, having already suffered defeats to both city clubs earlier this season. The defeat at Dens Park was under Brendan Rodgers as he neared the end of the road in his second spell at the club, while the defeat at Tannadice came under Wilfried Nancy. The next visits will have Martin O’Neill in charge. The defending champion will then host St Mirren at Celtic Park before meeting the Buddies again in the Scottish Cup semi-final.

None of Hearts, Hibs or the Rangers will be involved in the Scottish Cup semi-finals so will have a week off.

Martin O’Neill at Ibrox. theRangers 2 Celtic 2. Sunday 1st March 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou

St Mirren are expected to have a new manager in place by that stage following Stephen Robinson’s shock departure to Aberdeen. Robinson began his tenure with a draw against Falkirk and now turns his attention to a trip to Ibrox to face Danny Rohl’s men this weekend, as the title race continues to unfold.

Celtic play on Sunday while Hearts and the Rangers play on Saturday so we’ll be well aware of the situation come kick-off at Tannadice on Sunday lunchtime. One thing’s for certain, Derek will be watching.

Conor Spence

Celtic in the Thirties by Matt Corr. Click on image to order