Hearts boss Derek McInnes vows to use Scottish title heartbreak as fuel for next season | OneFootball

Derek McInnes has expressed a strong sense of optimism for Hearts' future, anticipating a season of "so many positives" to propel his side towards greater achievements next term.

His comments come despite Saturday’s heartbreak of narrowly missing out on the Scottish Premiership title, after a campaign that saw the Edinburgh club achieve a record points tally and secure a coveted spot in the Champions League qualifiers.

The Jambos mounted a valiant effort to claim their first league crown since 1960 but were ultimately denied in agonising fashion as Celtic secured a 3-1 victory with two late goals in Saturday’s decisive match.

The immediate aftermath saw Hearts players and staff swiftly escorted from Celtic Park following ugly scenes at the stadium, preventing McInnes from addressing the media until late on Sunday evening.

Celtic pipped Hearts to the league title on Saturday in dramatic fashion (Getty)

Reflecting on the season after collecting the Scottish Football Writers’ Association manager of the year award, McInnes highlighted the significant progress made.

"In the cold light of day, when we look back, there’s been so much positivity from where we were at the beginning of the season," he stated.

He emphasised the club's record-breaking performance: "For us to reach 80 points, a club record, and be involved in the Champions League qualifiers in July, there are so many positives from the campaign."

Looking ahead, McInnes outlined the club's determination to build on this foundation.

"The intention now is to dust ourselves down and try and enjoy our break but be ready for the challenges ahead," he said.

He expressed confidence in the team's ability to meet these future demands, adding, "I fully believe that those challenges are going to be met, with the enthusiasm from everybody at the club and the desire to improve make it the norm for us to be challenging for trophies on a more regular basis."

He added that the season's disappointment would serve as motivation: "We’ll look back and enjoy it but we’ll also have that kind of grievance at times and that disappointment to try and spur us on to something greater."

The reward for Hearts' first top-two finish in two decades is a place in the Champions League second qualifying round in July. McInnes conveyed his excitement for this prospect.

"Even just saying that, it feels brilliant," he remarked. He stressed the importance of preparation: "It’s important we have a rest in the summer but we also need to be busy and to help the squad deal with those sort of games."

McInnes concluded by affirming the club's ambition for European competition.

"We’ll be determined when the game comes round to try and make the most of that," he said. "It’s obviously a long way into the Champions League from where we are but we’re in it anyway and we’re in with a fight so it’ll be exciting for the club."

He anticipates increased expectations next season, believing it will foster "even more belief and confidence" within the squad.