What’s beyond doubt, for Sutton, is the credit Hearts are due for maintaining such a strong title push.
Unbeaten in the Premiership at Tynecastle this season, the men in maroon have been top of the table since the end of September, although Rangers did displace them recently for 24 hours with the Gorgie side’s corresponding fixture being played a day later.
The former Norwich, Blackburn Rovers and Chelsea striker says the capital club deserve every plaudit coming their way, boss Derek McInnes in particular.
“Hearts just find a way to win,” he said. “Their home record is phenomenal. You talk about pivotal games: if Hearts beat Rangers, essentially I think that is Rangers out of it.
“Derek McInnes, their manager, doesn’t get enough credit. Everybody talks about Tony Bloom and the investment and the players they’ve signed. I do get that. But Derek McInnes has still found a way to navigate his team to this point.
“The Hearts story is brilliant because the question has always been: well, can it continue? Can this run continue? Can they get over the line? They’ve got four games now.
“I’ve been consistent in saying Hearts would go the distance and find a way. But anything could happen.”
Except, according to the former Parkhead favourite, a 14th Celtic title triumph in 15 years.
“I still don’t think Celtic can win it and I’m having these arguments regularly with everybody because eventually performances do come into it.
“Each team is capable of not winning another game. It’s just the nature of the way it’s been this season.
“The teams going for the title, the three of them don’t win most weekends and that’s what’s intriguing.”
