Ross County boss Malky Mackay looking forward to Hearts test at Tynecastle

Malky Mackay expects Ross County will have their usual hard-fought encounter against Hearts when they meet on the opening weekend of the 2022/23 Scottish Premiership season.

Ross County boss Malky Mackay with Hearts counterpart Robbie Neilson

Seven out of the last eight meetings between the clubs have ended in a draw, with the Jambos winning 2-1 at Tynecastle on Boxing Day last season.

Both sides meet in Gorgie on July 30 as a new league campaign gets under way and Mackay told County's official Twitter account: "It’s a tough start for us. Hearts at Tynecastle – it doesn't get too much harder than that.

"We had some real good games against them last season so looking forward to it.

"It would have been good to get an opener at home but you deal with the situation as it is.

"Hearts away then Celtic at home is a tough start but at the same time we are really looking forward to getting going."