Heart of Midlothian

Image source, Getty Images

Derek McInnes says the "very talented" Islam Chesnokov is "raring to get started" after the right winger finally completed his protracted move to Hearts.

The Kazakhstan international agreed a pre-contract in the summer and, after fleeting suggestions that the deal might falter, has now completed his move from FC Tobol in his homeland and signed a deal until 2028.

Chesnokov, 26, has scored an average of a goal every three games in the past three years and earned 22 caps for Kazakhstan, scoring three times.

"I'm really pleased that Islam is here, he's a Hearts player and he's raring to get started," McInnes said.

"Our desire to bring Islam in has been well documented and sometimes these things take a bit of time, but the dialogue between myself, the club and Islam has always been there.

"There was never any panic and everyone involved deserves a lot of credit for making it happen.

"He's a very talented player and a good boy, and we think he can come in and help the team. We're in a good place and we'll do everything we can to enable Islam to be a success at Hearts."

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Goalkeeper Craig Gordon isn't letting a lack of game-time prevent him having an influence on Hearts' title charge.

The 43-year-old Scotland international has yet to make an appearance this season for Derek McInnes' side, who hold a six-point lead over Celtic and Rangers after 20 matches.

But Gordon, previously a five-time title winner with Celtic, is putting his vast experience to use.

"I can use my voice in the changing room." he told BBC Scotland.

"I have done so on a few occasions to try and help the team when it has been needed.

"That is the role at the moment. I'm not out on the pitch, so if there's anything that I can do in the dressing room, then yes, I'll say it if I feel it needs said. And just to try and help everybody to go on and be successful.

"You get a little bit jealous of the boys going out there and the wins that they've had already this season. It's been really good to watch.

"It would be even better to play in. Hopefully, between now and the end of the season, I get to do that."

Gordon says the use of Jamestown Analytics for Hearts' recruitment has helped take the quality of McInnes' squad to the "next level".

"I think there's always been good players at Hearts," he added. "Definitely in attacking areas, we've certainly added players that have got a bit of trickery or can score goals and if you add them to any team, you're going to make them better and that's definitely what's happened.

"We had a decent base of a team and now we've added a little bit extra quality that's really taking the team on to the next level."

Greg Playfair
Fan writer

It's surreal looking at the Premiership table to see Hearts top with a six-point cushion over the Old Firm in January.

There's lots to be happy about for Jambos, however last Saturday's nail-biting 1-0 win over Livingston highlights how tough the next five months will be.

With Hearts having to grind out victory in the final half hour, and reverting to a 5-4-1 with 10 minutes left, I genuinely feared another Kilmarnock scenario and dropping points to the worst side in our league.

Had that 95th-minute header from Livi's Robbie Muirhead gone either side of Alexander Schwolow, the lingering festive goodwill would have quickly evaporated from Gorgie.

I know I'm being hyper critical and Derek McInnes himself even said 1-0 margins are sometimes enough, but I hope we learn something from a close call.

We are approaching the critical period of the campaign and things are so tense, Celtic have dispensed with yet another manager and the wily Martin O'Neill is back at the helm.

The mind games from O'Neill will soon start about our title credentials and Rangers supporters will be backing their boss Danny Rohl to now finish top of the pack.

The winner of this league will have to absorb and overcome the psychological battle that will play out and I think we absolutely can do it.

One of the aces up our sleeve is Jamestown Analytics and our use of it to strengthen in the January transfer window.

We've already seen encouraging signs from new right-back Jordi Altena, and much-fabled Kazakhstan right winger Islam Chesnokov has finally arrived on Scottish soil after a year-long pursuit.

Getting fringe players out this window will be key, but I wonder if we may bring in another first-team starter.

I would be looking for a powerhouse striker – something I've said for about three years – to alternate with Claudio Braga, who looks like he needs a spell on the bench after a dip in form again.

Hearts and Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon, 43, has "not had any interest" from potential suitors. (Scotsman - subscription required), external

Kazakhstan winger Islam Chesnokov's move from Tobol to Hearts is nearing completion after the 26-year-old was granted a visa. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription required), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish gossip

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Former Celtic goalkeeper Craig Gordon has had his say on the sacking of Wilfried Nancy.

The 43-year-old is currently in his second spell at Hearts but spent six years at Parkhead.

The Tynecastle club now sit six points clear of both Celtic and Rangers at the top of the Scottish Premiership table.

"It's a results business. It's never nice to see anybody lose their job," Gordon told BBC Scotland. "But from our point of view, it doesn't change anything.

"We'll just concentrate on ourselves and that's all from a Hearts point of view that we'll be focusing on.

"I think whoever comes in, you know the size of Celtic. It's a huge club. They expect to win almost every single match.

"And when that doesn't happen, it's not an enjoyable place to be. For them, it's about starting again. For us, it's just about concentrating on what we've got to do.

"We won't be looking at anybody else outside of our own. We've got a big job to do and that's all we'll focus on."

Image source, SNS

Craig Halkett (Hearts): Should Hearts be considered favourites for the title now? Six points clear and they keep churning out the three points.

What a huge part Halkett is playing in this. Solid at the back and scored the only goal of the game against Livingston to bring his tally for the season to an impressive six.

Watch Sportscene pundits Steven Naismith and Peter Grant discuss the psychological aspect of Hearts leading the Scottish Premiership table.

Available in UK only

Watch highlights as Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts extend their advantage at the top with a narrow win over bottom side Livingston.

Available in UK only

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Jordi Altena says "it was a dream" to have made a winning debut for Hearts on Saturday less than a year since playing amateur football back in his Dutch homeland.

The 22-year-old right-back made an instant impact, providing the deep cross that set up Craig Halkett to head the only goal against Livingston as Hearts went six points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership.

"I couldn't even dream about a day like this, so I'm really happy," Altena told BBC Scotland.

"I think the first moment, when the game was about to start, the fans were chanting and it gave me like, you know, the, how do you call it in Scotland? Goosebumps?".

Altena came through the youth ranks with Vitesse Arnhem but had made only two appearances for the senior side before moving to De Treffers in the Dutch third tier in 2024.

He won a move to Waalwijk in the division above last summer, with Hearts moving for his services after just 23 appearances in which he scored four times and provided eight assists for the mid-table side.

Altena explained that he had been happy at Waalwijk, but his performances attracted interest from Hearts and other clubs.

"I didn't even talk to the other clubs," he revealed. "When Hearts came, it was a beautiful chance for me and I couldn't say no."

Altena admitted he did not know much about Hearts previously but was impressed by videos he was sent of the stadium, their games and Edinburgh.

"Not many of my people could tell me something about Hearts, but they could about the city," he said. "And they said it's an amazing city and you're going to love it here.

"The gaffer gave me a really good feeling and the club itself when I talked to them. So I think that was the main thing."

After being handed an immediate starting place in a table-topping side, and "an assist and a win" on "a great debut", Altena admitted it is "a crazy start" and "I can't wait for the upcoming games".

On Atlena's debut, Hearts boss Derek McInnes said: "Jordi did well. I thought his touch was so pure, lovely feet.

"For a debut, it's not always easy, he's only had a few days training with us, but I think you can see he's a very good technical player, very confident with his work."

We asked for your thoughts after Hearts extended their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership with a nervy win over bottom side Livingston.

Here's a taste of what you had to say:

Gordon: Three points is the bottom line but the second-half performance was awful, we were stuck in this endless sideways passing movement from the back and the ball needs to be going forward much faster if we're to use the speed we have in the wide areas.

David: To bounce back after last week's derby defeat was a must. Some questions however - 17 shots and only three on target is a concern, as is allowing Livi back into the game in the second half. Also why take so long to freshen things up in attack? Why is Elton Kabangu so obviously out of favour? Expect a tough game at Dundee next week.

John: Great first half, should have been out of sight. Thought our new right-back Jordi Altena was very comfortable. Onwards and upwards.

Peter: Nerves shredded in the lead-up to the final whistle but a very welcome three points and a first half of slick play that should have brought more goals. We must learn to smother teams early in the second half when we know they will fight back. Keep possession and frustrate them while hitting on the counter attack for 15 minutes, or run at them and tear them apart, one or the other, but not anything in between. Livingston are strong and we did well. Altena looks very good and his crosses were superb. Craig Halkett will agree with that and his own header was sublime. Well done to all!

Frank: In the first half we were streets ahead but it was just one of those days when all the breaks went to the opposition. If we repeat the first-half performance over 90 minutes in the future someone is going to lose by a cricket score.

New Hearts signing Islam Chesnokov missed watching Saturday's 1-0 victory over Livingston because his flight was delayed from Amsterdam, but head coach Derek McInnes says the 26-year-old winger is now in Scotland and will go through his visa application process on Monday as he completes his move from Tobol. (Edinburgh Evening News), external

Hearts have confirmed the launch of their new talent strategy, "The Hearts Way", which will run in conjunction with the Jamestown Analytics scouting system and aims to support the club's young players through the boys and girls' academy, professional development phase and senior squads. (Edinburgh Evening News), external

Read Sunday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Image source, SNS

Hearts head coach Derek McInnes tells BBC Scotland: "At 1-0 it's always going to be nervy.

"You've got to credit Livingston. As an opposition manager David threw everything at it.

"In the end, the first half we looked like a team that deserved to be top of the league. I thought our keeper was magnificent because we knew there would be a reaction in the second half. We never quite looked settled enough. We had some moments but we still looked a bit rushed. Sometimes one goal is enough and it was enough today.

"I'd like to have enjoyed the second half a wee bit more but the enjoyment comes from winning and we'll all wake up tomorrow morning, look at the league table and say job well done.

"We should have done better with opportunities but the winning goal was magnificent. It's a brilliant header and it had to be good to beat that keeper today. Livingston have good players, they're really well managed. They might have lost a lot of games this season but they're in every one of them.

"It's a good day's work for Hearts, we should remind ourselves of that. We deserved to win it because we hung in at the end, dug deep and got that clean sheet."

Have your say on Hearts' performance.