Hearts star branded a piece of Jamestown transfer magic as former Hibs boss branded Celtic manager contender

Hearts and Hibs are back in action this weekend as Premiership football returns for a busy winter schedule.

After the nation savoured Scotland’s qualification for the World Cup, attentions have quickly turned to club matters. It’s a long trip north for top of the table Hearts away at Aberdeen while Hibs have contested a clash with Dundee at Easter Road.

There are talking points unfolding in Edinburgh and across the rest of the league. Here are some of the latest headlines when it comes to both Hearts and Hibs.

Can Hearts sustain title challenge?

Joe Ledley reckons depth will answer how well Hearts’ title challenge holds up. The Celtic favourite is impressed by the impact of Jamestown Analytics on recruitment, with Claudio Braga peaking his interest, and insists investor Tony Bloom’s long-term title vision is something to believe in.

Ledley said: “Hearts, after what we saw last season with Aberdeen - do Hearts have enough depth behind them to cope with injuries? Don't get me wrong they've started unbelievably. The front two of Lawrence Shankland and Claudio Braga have been fantastic, scoring a lot of goals. With Tony Bloom coming in for the recruitment and analysis, and what they’ve got, it doesn't surprise me.

“Over the next ten years, they'll definitely be pushing for the title Celtic and Rangers have new managers - both trying to put their philosophy on games and what they want to do. It's still a long, long season. Still a lot of games to play. Celtic, when they play Hearts at home, they’ll need to win that. Seven points with a game in hand, which could go down to four if they win that. Hearts have done remarkably, but whether they will be there at the end of the season, I'm not too sure."

Former Hibs manager is under radar Celtic boss contender

Ex-Hibs boss Shaun Maloney has been backed as an under the radar Celtic manager option. The Hoops’ player-pathway gaffer is part of Martin O’Neill’s interim coaching staff after Brendan Rodgers’ resignation. Ross Wallace featured with Maloney at Celtic, and despite his last spell in Scotland ending calamitously in months at Hibs, he reckons the ex-midfielder has ample coaching experience.

Wallace said: “Shaun is one that's going under the radar as well. If Martin O’Neill decides it's probably a bit too much for him, and he doesn't want it full time, Shaun is there. And even if a new manager comes in, Shaun's a brilliant coach. I still keep in touch with him now. Celtic have gone through this sort of tactical build-up play, and Shaun knows the players and this style of football.

“He’s worked under Roberto Martinez and been a manager himself. His style of football suits the players at the moment. Him and Martin are working well because Martin man-manages the players more. He’s really effective and motivational. So it's a good blend where Shaun, Big Stephen McManus and Mark Fotheringham will probably manage the grass, and Martin sort of manages the group."

Ross Wallace and Joe Ledley were speaking to Gambling.com.