The Jambos gaffer was one of the names mentioned as a potential option to replace Russell Martin at Ibrox
14:53, 14 Oct 2025Updated 19:31, 14 Oct 2025
Hearts boss Derek McInnes speaks to Sky Sports
Derek McInnes has shut down any talk over Rangers by insisting ‘my job here is firmly at Hearts’.
The Scottish Premiership Manager of the Month is no stranger to speculation over the years.
Kris Boyd has been one to tout the Jambos boss for the vacant position with the likes of Kevin Muscat and Danny Rohl in the running after Steven Gerrard sensationally withdrew from the race to take over for a second time.
However, McInnes – who has his team flying high at the top of the table with 19 points from a possible 21 – has reiterated his commitment to Hearts and insists they can be a success in the capital.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “For a manager you’re normally fighting the speculation off if you’re not winning games or trying to keep your job.
“Normally if you’re doing well then there’s maybe a bit of speculation
“For us, my job here is firmly at Hearts. I am really enjoying it here.
“I have wanted to be here for a long time, I am really enjoying my work here.
“We feel we have started something now and we want to follow up a strong start to the season, maintain it and see where it takes it.
“I firmly believe we can be successful here.”
It’s a return to an old stomping ground for McInnes as he takes his table toppers to Rugby Park to face Kilmarnock.
Naturally, a lot of talk has looked beyond that showdown towards the big clash with Brendan Rodgers and Celtic.
But McInnes knows his troops are in for a real battle at a venue that has proved problematic for visiting sides over the years.
He insists his only focus is on Stuart Kettlewell’s men as he sets eyes on another strong month between now and the next international break in November.
He explained: “It’s natural for people to look at that game [Celtic] but we’ve got to look at Kilmarnock away. That faces a lot of problems for us in terms of dealing with a tough opponent.
“Kilmarnock away for any team is normally a tough game anyway such is their home form and they’ve started the season well. That is our only focus at the minute.
“Hopefully, we can have another strong month. But we’ve got to deal with that game on Saturday first and hopefully just keep dealing with each and every game.
“The Scottish Premiership – particularly this season – is so difficult to get back to back wins.
“The fact we’ve managed to get a decent run. I think it is only us and maybe Celtic who have managed to get two wins back to back or more than that, which suggests the nature of it. It is hard to win games of football in the Premiership.”