Ally McCoist makes Hearts, Rangers and Celtic transfer prediction amid Jambos blow to 'terrific' ace
Hearts are locked in a title race alongside Rangers and Celtic.
Ally McCoist reckons the January transfer window’s winner out of Hearts, Rangers and Celtic will likely stand as champions come May.
It’s a critical Premiership weekend for the league leaders managed by Derek McInnes, as they host Celtic in Gorgie. A Jambos win would move them nine points clear of Martin O’Neill’s side, while Rangers will be keen to pounce on dropped points one way or another as they host Dundee at Ibrox, also standing six off the pace of Hearts.
They defeated Ludogorets 1-0 on Thursday in their latest Europa League clash that Rangers and Scotland legend Ally McCoist co-commentated on for TNT Sports. With the Light Blues already out of the tournament, talk soon turned to the domestic scene, where McCoist noted injury to Hearts talisman Lawrence Shankland as a key blow with Cammy Devlin already out. That said, he feels whoever comes out of January’s transfer window with the best business done give themselves a major shot at glory.
Ally McCoist on Hearts, Rangers and Celtic transfer business
Talking over Rangers’ transfer needs before veering into Hearts chat, McCoist said: “I think they need strengthening in forward areas, I would suggest. Centre-backs you have Derek Cornelius and John Souttar coming back. Left-back signed, (Tuur Rommens) probably the forward areas. The other thing worth mentioning, talking about this window, I think it is a vital window for Hearts and Celtic as well.
“If you have a good window it could win you the league, that is how important this window is for the three teams I feel. Hearts have had a blow with the centre-forward taking a sore one for a few weeks. He has been excellent, absolutely terrific, Lawrence Shankland. He really has.”
In the meantime, McInnes is urging nobody in maroon feels sorry for themselves amid the injuries, as they gear up for the current champions. He said: “The game when we beat Celtic 3-1, the atmosphere at Tynecastle was magnificent. It was such a brilliant occasion for us. There was a lot expected of us.
Derek McInnes on Hearts vs Celtic
“It was probably one of those games where there was a lot of people, that maybe fancied Hearts that day. But ultimately, we're still the underdog. In terms of what we pay in wages, in terms of transfer fees, for us to be in this position above both Rangers and Celtic takes a lot of people doing their jobs well.
“This isn't just down to a manager or a group of players. It's a whole club working together, and that includes the supporters. It's a big game Sunday. We've still got a lot going for us in the squad. It is no doom and gloom and I need to stress that. Injuries are part and parcel.
“Losing key players is part and parcel. I don't want anybody from a Hearts persuasion to lose any sort of hope or optimism. It's a brilliant game to be involved in and we're really looking forward to it.”