Third place will feel like 'missed opportunity'

Saturday nights out don't get much better.

Ninety minutes of Edinburgh derby action came and went with limited quality until Craig Halkett became the Hearts hero with a last-gasp winner.

The last time I experienced such euphoria at the end of a derby at Tynecastle was Kevin Kyle's late winner in 2011.

Once again the place was rocking at full-time - even head coach Derek McInnes was getting involved and singing along to the Hearts song, savouring the adulation he and his team richly deserved after a terrific start to the season.

I know it was less than 24 hours, but what a buzz you get seeing your side five points clear at the top.

It's important - but difficult - not to get carried away with it all. Put it this way, I've been making enquiries to get the Monday and Tuesday off work next May following the open-top bus parade showing off the league trophy.

Of course I'm joking on that but we need to retain the ambition shown by Tony Bloom and look to stay in the top two.

If Hearts finish third it will still be a successful season - but will also feel like a missed opportunity.

No sooner had the derby dust settled than certain pundits were talking up McInnes for the vacant Rangers job.

I'm not worried about the McInnes to Rangers links for a number of reasons. I think their supporters want a 'big name' and some still harbour resentment that he turned down the job previously.

Add in the fact Hearts are simply a better run club on and off the park than Rangers and it just seems a non-starter. The sooner this tedious chat ends, the better.