Gary Lineker backs Hearts’ title charge after watching win over Rangers

Gary Lineker has weighed in on Hearts’ Scottish Premiership title credentials after watching their clash with Rangers, admitting he was impressed by what he saw from the Jambos.

Speaking at the end of a discussion, Lineker explained how he ended up tuning into the match. With no early Premier League fixture to watch, he decided to switch on Hearts versus Rangers and was pleasantly surprised by the quality on display. He said he thoroughly enjoyed the game and even highlighted his fondness for the club’s full name, Heart of Midlothian.

Lineker pointed out that Hearts now sit six points clear at the top of the table, although he acknowledged that Celtic still have a game in hand. He stressed, however, that Hearts’ position is no fluke, noting that they have beaten both Celtic and Rangers twice this season. In total, that amounts to four victories against the Old Firm, an achievement that underlines the strength of their campaign.

Reflecting on the wider historical context, Lineker suggested that it is incredibly rare for neither Celtic nor Rangers to lift the league title. He recalled that the last time an Old Firm club failed to win the championship was around 40 years ago, when Aberdeen, managed by Sir Alex Ferguson, claimed the crown. Given that long-standing dominance, Lineker posed the big question: could Hearts really go all the way?

Former England defender Micah Richards then asked whether Hearts look capable of sustaining their level over the course of the season, especially given the growing attention and praise surrounding their performances.

In response, Lineker was cautious but optimistic. He admitted that it is difficult to draw firm conclusions based on just one match, but what he saw against Rangers left a strong impression. He felt Hearts played some excellent football, particularly in the second half, where they moved the ball well and created several clear chances in addition to their goals.

Lineker described the contest as an open, end-to-end affair after the break, with both sides attacking and Rangers pushing hard to get back into the game. Despite that pressure, Hearts continued to play with confidence and composure, which stood out to him.

He also highlighted the importance of momentum and belief at this stage of the season. With the lead Hearts have built at the top of the table, confidence could play a huge role in helping them maintain their form. Lineker acknowledged how difficult it normally is to compete with Celtic and Rangers over a full campaign, but pointed out that Celtic, in particular, have endured a poor spell recently.

Celtic’s run of four consecutive defeats was mentioned as a key factor, although Lineker noted that their recent victory has at least halted that slide. Even so, he suggested the situation remains intriguing, especially with major events such as the World Cup on the horizon in Scotland, which could add further twists to the season.

Ultimately, Lineker said it would be refreshing for Scottish football to see a club other than Celtic or Rangers lift the league title. While stopping short of making a firm prediction, his comments made it clear that, based on what he witnessed against Rangers, Hearts have given themselves a genuine chance of achieving something special this season.