Ex Liverpool star wants Hearts title glory and sees Tony Bloom factor that can change Scottish football trope

A former Liverpool star reckons Hearts title glory would be important for Scottish football - as Tony Bloom is praised as a catalyst to breaking down one top flight narrative.

The Jambos could go six points clear at the top of the Premiership on Wednesday if they defeat St Mirren on Wednesday. Derek McInnes’ side have cemented themselves in the title race alongside Rangers and Celtic, who have shared the tag of top flight winners since the 1980s, but Danny Murphy reckons the Jambos can break the trope of Scotland being known externally as a two-horse division.

Backed by Brighton owner Tony Bloom’s investment and Jamestown Analytics, Hearts’ pursuit reminds him of Leicester City’s almost a decade ago in the Premier League. Murphy, who featured for Liverpool, England and Fulham in his playing days, reckons the Scottish game would benefit overall from a fresh winner.

Hearts title chances assessed

He told Boyle Sport: “I think it would be great. Underdog stories are always wonderful. Remembering Leicester in the Premier League, it's amazing because what it also would do is it would kick Rangers and Celtic into gear a little bit more, encouraging them to address their situations and not be complacent around recruitment and spending.

“I think it would give Scottish football a boost because then also, Hearts would have extra money. I know they've got Tony Bloom involved now, but they'll be able to be competitive in the summer, bringing in players and spending some cash. All of a sudden, you might then have a three-horse race for more than one season.

“That is great for their league and makes it a better product. It becomes something you'd be more intrigued to watch, especially from my perspective. So yeah, it's an amazing story and I think it would be beneficial to Scottish football.”

Celtic challenge to Hearts verdict

Current champions Celtic are also in action on Wednesday, going into a clash at Falkirk third, with Martin O’Neill back in charge after Wilfried Nancy’s sacking as head coach. Murphy added: “I think it makes sense. It seemed strange, to be honest, to interrupt Martin O’Neill when he went back the first time because of how well they were doing. It made sense to let it go, maybe until the end of the season, and take their time appointing a new manager because that failed miserably.

“It shows you that if you don't have experience at a big club and you want to change things really quickly at any level of football, it can go badly wrong quite quickly, and it did. It wasn't nice to see because he was really struggling, and you could see it in his face. But bringing Martin back was sensible.

“I think he is such an experienced guy, he's a brilliant motivator, very well-liked by the players, and because of that, they've still got a chance of winning the title. So, they acted quickly, they've recognised their mistake, and for Celtic now, it gives them time to really go out and do a better job looking for a prospective manager.”