Heart of Midlothian

We asked for your views on Hearts' Scottish Cup exit at the hands of Falkirk on penalties.

Here's what some of you said:

Peter: Had a doubt about this game beforehand as Falkirk were better than Celtic midweek and we had Cammy Devlin out injured. Falkirk merited the win and we can at least remain focused on the league. We are all realising now that while our squad is large it lacks sufficient numbers of high quality players in midfield.

Norrie: Horrible night at Tynecastle, we were nowhere near progressing. Something wasn't right, it was almost like the team got spooked by the size of away support.

Dave: Let's get a dose of realism into this season so far. Hearts are top of the league because the Old Firm have been so shockingly bad, so far. Hearts have had two real "must win" games, so far. Both have been lost to a team newly promoted and a team now struggling. Hearts' next "must win" game is their next, against a resurgent, so far, Celtic. Hearts may have come "so far" since last season but it's looking like they will not "arrive" this season.

Jim: Sometimes you just have to hold up your hand and compliment your opponents and that match was one such time. Over the two hours we were second best. Falkirk were better organised, looked hungrier and deserved their victory. We seldom troubled their goal, and were awarded a very doubtful penalty. Even with such a large squad, injuries are stacking up to significant players and suspensions adding to it as well. We will find out very quickly over the next month if our challenge for the top honour is justified. I am still positive about our prospects and a positive result against Celtic will confirm if I am right to remain positive.

Walter: Simply not good enough. Hearts need to be challenging for cups, it's been too long now. Fair play to Falkirk but with the resources Hearts have that's an embarrassment.

Ian: So Derek McInnes becomes only the second Hearts manager since 1965-66 NOT to take the club to a Scottish Cup final in a season ending in 5/6. Robbie Neilson being the other one in 2015-16. Going out of the two cup competitions at an early stage is not acceptable. Some team regulars need to be dropped and/or tactics changed. Clubs are now sitting in and when we fail to score they become more adventurous like Falkirk did. Some players looked like they were towing caravans and Falkirk deserved their win. No doubt some fans think Derek McInnes can do no wrong but that performance was worrying.

Falkirk ended Hearts' Scottish Cup interest at the first hurdle as Elton Kabangu's miss in the penalty shootout proved crucial.

Match report

Have your say

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Hearts manager Derek McInnes: "The players are devastated. It was always going to be a challenging week this, with the way the scheduling was with our third game in six days.

"The performance first half-hour or so was terrific. We're just guilty of not having that final pass and the final shot. Falkirk change their shape, go back to their more familiar shape to try and cope. They were the better team for the first 20 minutes of the second half.

"Our response was good. Disappointed with the goal that was chalked off. I don't see from the angle I've seen an obvious handball there. I thought that was harsh.

"Extra time was just a bit chaotic. It comes down to penalties. Falkirk's penalties were terrific. Credit to them. Huge disappointment."

On Lawrence Shankland's injury, McInnes said: "Hearts fans would maybe worry ahead for next week. We'll see how he is. He doesn't like coming off. He looks a bit concerned about it but hopefully it settles. He's normally a good healer.

"We've got too many injuries going through the club at the minute. We've got an opportunity to maybe react in the transfer market this week.

"Losing wee Cammy Devlin was a blow, Baningime suspended [against Celtic]. It goes without saying that we're a bit short in that area as well. It will be a challenge but we'll be ready for them."

Hearts' title challenge was dealt a blow with the news that Australian midfielder Cammy Devlin will miss the next six to eight weeks with injury.

Here's how you Hearts fans reacted:

Andy: Losing Devlin is a big loss. However, if other midfielders have been banging on McInnes' door for game time they'll now have the opportunity to prove their worth. It's shape up or ship out for these guys. This is a club going places and if they want to be part of it they need to do their talking on the pitch.

David: Devlin will be a big miss but one man does not make a team, a lot of people are wanting Hearts to falter and they might think this is the excuse for them now. It is up to Hearts to keep fighting and it now gives someone else to make a name for themselves.

Paul: Huge blow for Hearts. He has been the anchor man in midfield and his energy and work rate will be sorely missed in the engine room.

Chris: Never ending. Constant injuries. I know other teams have had a few injury concerns but we seem to have had to deal with the brunt of it. No two ways about it, the best player in the league is out for the most important part of the season. Absolutely gutted.

Steve: The sort of injury that can implode our season - Devlin is just that good. We have only one player who could play his role and he's suspended - Beni Baningime - and Oisin McEntee is injured.

Alan: Absolute tragedy. Without doubt overall the best player bar none in Scotland this season. Plays on intuition, turns upon unexpected areas when required, and has an incredible understanding of the game. Without doubt player of the match every time he plays.

Evan: There is enough depth in the squad, just barely, after signing Islam Chesnokov but a new midfield signing is a must in case of further injuries. We need to sign either David Watson, Elijah Just, Callum Slattery, or Elliot Watt immediately.

Peter: Devlin has really stepped up a level this season and made himself one of the 'must have' players in the team sheet. Significant blow to the league title and Scottish Cup hopes for sure. Hearts will need to adapt their play to take account of not having Devlin, but I have confidence that Derek McInnes will find a way to overcome this setback. Just unfortunate that we face Celtic next in the league game.

Gary: For holding midfielders it's got to be Tomas Magnusson and Baningime for the Falkirk game and then McEntee (if fit) or Blair Spittal and Magnusson for the Celtic game.

Ian: I think it would be extremely difficult to get another Devlin in the transfer window. There are very few with that type of tenacity. I think they have to change the style of the midfield if they could get ague fit that would maybe be a solution

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Hearts standout Cammy Devlin has been ruled out injured for up to two months.

How big a blow is the loss of the talismanic midfielder to the Tynecastle title bid?

Can Hearts cope without Devlin in the coming weeks - or should they now be looking to add a midfielder in the January window?

Let us know your thoughts.

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Hearts will scrap their B team set-up from next season, withdrawing from the Lowland League, to focus on their club cooperation agreements.

A statement revealed the next step on their player progression strategy, 'The Hearts Way', which will focus on current agreements with St Johnstone, Montrose and local club The Spartans.

Right-back Adam Forrester is currently at McDiarmid Park, while three youngsters - Gus Stevenson, Euan Glasgow and Tommy North - have all joined Montrose. Defender Kenzie Nair is at Spartans.

The B team started playing in the Lowland League in the 2022-23 season, with the likes of Forrester, James Wilson and Macaulay Tait gaining exposure to men's football in the first few seasons.

They finished second to East Kilbride the following season, under the guidance of former Dundee United manager Liam Fox, but have been mid-table since his departure.

"Although the public focus on JTA [Jamestown Analytics] predominantly centres around the first team, its methodology extends to our younger players too," a club statement said.

"Put simply, the more these young talents play in Scotland's professional leagues, the more they become aligned with JTA, which strengthens our ability to identify, nurture and progress them effectively.

"Given the success of CCAs [club cooperation agreements] and the importance of JTA in our future direction, the club has made the decision that the B Team will no longer operate beyond the end of this season.

"Our club academy will continue to nurture and develop young players all the way up to U19s, and from there we will stretch and challenge these players early in their careers through CCAs and other loan opportunities."

We asked for your thoughts after Hearts confirmed the pre-contract signing of St Johnstone winger Josh McPake.

Here's what some of you said:

Colin: He has done his journeyman stuff, presumably learning as he goes and taken his chance with St Johnstone and has stepped up and shown his talent. Analytics will have highlighted him to us and keeps with Derek McInnes' philosophy of having a Scottish spine in the team. He deserves a chance.

Alan: McPake hasn't really been noticed but the stats don't seem to lie on other players signed. Welcome to Hearts in the summer Josh, good luck.

Jim: The McPake signing sounds like another good piece of football business and at 24 his best years are yet to come. Added to the signing of Mato and James Wilson already in the squad it looks like Hearts are building for the future not just the present.

Jim: The club should be looking to bring in another midfielder to cover Cameron Devlin and Beni Baningime, a ball winner and someone who can keep the ball on the deck. Looks like we are going to have enough strikers and centre-backs, left and right-backs need cover.

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Norwegian midfielder Sander Kartum has left Hearts to join New Zealand-based A-League side Wellington Phoenix on loan until June.

The 30-year-old has made 17 appearances, scoring two goals, since moving to Tynecastle from Brann last January.

But he has played just two games - in the League Cup - for the Premiership leaders this season.

Rogers Mato, who has agreed to join Heart of Midlothian this summer, is refusing to return to Vardar following his appearances for Uganda at the Africa Cup of Nations after the North Macedonian league leaders rejected two bids from the Tynecastle outfit for the 22-year-old forward this month. (Scottish Sun), external

Hearts are hoping to complete the permanent signing of Rogers Mato, ideally before playing Celtic this month, with negotiations taking place with Vardar while the forward remains in Uganda. (Hearts Standard), external

Read Friday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Charlotte Cohen
BBC Sport Scotland

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The loss of suspended Beni Baningime for Hearts' top-of-the-table clash with Celtic is bad enough. The potential absence of midfielder partner Cammy Devlin could be even worse.

While Baningime is definitely out of next weekend's Tynecastle showdown following his red card in the 2-0 win over St Mirren on Wednesday, Devlin was forced off in injury time, with manager Derek McInnes admitting it does not "look good".

The Australia international's influence on pacesetting Hearts' title challenge this season is huge.

The 27-year-old was integral to another important three points in midweek as Hearts found themselves reduced to 10 men after just 15 minutes.

He made four tackles, more than any other Hearts player, and won three of them as goals from Lawrence Shankland and Tomas Magnusson secured victory.

Devlin had the second-most touches and passes in the Hearts team, won the joint-most fouls (three) and also created one chance.

It's been the story of Devlin's season as the Australian has cemented himself as an essential cog in the Hearts juggernaut.

He's made 98 tackles this season and won 61 - both the most of any player in the Premiership by a distance.

In fact Devlin tops the charts for interceptions (53), possession won (163), and duels won (186).

McInnes and the Hearts support will be desperate for Devlin to make a rapid recovery in time for Celtic's visit.

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Hearts have confirmed St Johnstone winger Josh McPake will make the switch to Tynecastle on a three-year deal in the summer following the expiration of his contract in Perth.

The 24-year-old is currently the Championship's leading scorer, with Saints top of the table, and has scored 15 goals in 27 appearances across all competitions.

McPake came through the youth ranks at Rangers but never made a first-team appearance for the Ibrox club.

He had loan spells with teams including Dundee, Morecambe and Queen's Park before joining St Johnstone on a two-year deal in summer 2024.

Hearts fans, what do you make of the club securing McPake on a pre-contract? Can he make an impact next season and beyond?

Let us know here.

We asked for your thoughts after table-topping Hearts beat St Mirren 2-0 in the Scottish Premiership despite being reduced to 10 men.

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

Peter: Listened to the BBC commentary and my heart went straight into my mouth when Beni Baningime was sent off with only 14 minutes gone. The subsequent changes made by Derek McInnes, in formation and then his substitutions, were simply masterstrokes and the spirit in which his instructions were executed adds to my growing belief in this team and manager. Still a long hard road ahead but we are up for it, as Wednesday night and last Saturday's win over Dundee have shown us.

David: Crucial win. Let's not forget the Old Firm have European games to worry about over the next few weeks while Hearts can focus on getting players fit and prepared for crunch league matches.

Calum: Another massive statement from Hearts, answering any lingering questions from critics about their mettle and strength of mentality. Serious plaudits must also be given to McInnes and the decisions he's made under pressure. I think it shows the quality of the manager and his belief in the team that he pushed for a goal in this match rather than trying to lock things down and settle for one point.

Steve: Even with 10 men we basically controlled the game, feel sorry for Beni as he's been given such a poor pass to try and deal with which leads to the red and his suspension for the Celtic match.

Murray: Fantastic performance. Craig Gordon barely broke a sweat. Our defence was as solid as the castle rock. Midfield three did the work of four after Baningime took a fresh air swipe at the ball and caught his opponent. Our front three worked their socks off and would have made it even more comfortable on another day and Derek's substitutions were all superb. Fans created an incredible atmosphere. So proud of the team, the fans, and the club as a whole.

Mike: Started to panic when Beni got sent off. But what a masterclass from Hearts again. Looked more likely to score than St Mirren. I do believe that the title is there for the taking. After more than 60 years as a fan could this be our time.

Watch all the highlights as Hearts beat St Mirren 2-0 in the Scottish Premiership despite playing the majority of the game with 10 men following Beni Baningime's red card. (Available to UK users only)

Hearts overcame a first-half red card for the second time in four days to beat St Mirren and remain six points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership.

Read the full match report here.

Let us know your thoughts here.

Hearts head coach Derek McInnes: "We were in trouble. We got the experience [of being down to 10 men] on Sunday. We played similar, although Dundee played a different shape to St Mirren.

"We were still carrying a threat with three at the top of the pitch to try and carry a threat, give us a bit of oxygen, give us a bit of relief. The three lads, Lawrence [Shankland], Claudio [Braga] and Kyzi [Kyziridis], carried a fight for us and gave us some good moments but without scoring the goal.

"The message was still clear. We said at half-time that 'this can be done'. There was loads of belief.

"Beni Baningime, who's as popular a boy in that dressing room as anybody, is in tears. We had to help him out. We had to dig ourselves out of a bit of trouble.

"With 10 men against a team like St Mirren, it's not always easy. We thought we had enough encouragement at times, we had a couple of good opportunities, good breaks.

"It's a great bit of play in the lead-up to Lawrence's goal where the captain sets the right tone, gets the goal and then we have something to hang on to.

"That's due to the effort of the lads. We can only set them up. I can only give them the instruction of what's the best chance to get that clean sheet.

"They're the ones that have got to go over the line and do it. They were magnificent. What a huge effort. What a brilliant win that is. I said Sunday [against Dundee] was the best three points.

"That tops it by a long way."

We asked whether Hearts should push to sign Rogers Mato this month after the club agreed a pre-contract for the Uganda striker to join in summer.

Here's what some of you said:

Andy: Tony Bloom getting our business done nice and early, fully expect Claudio Braga to leave for a tidy sum in the summer, so it's good that we are getting replacements in already. This is just the beginning for Hearts as well.

Jason: If he's that good, get him in as soon as possible.

Alan: If we can offload some players and free up the money, then yes we should try and get him in, but we should be warry of going over our budget.

David: More great business by Hearts to bring in Mato for free at the end of the season. This is solid succession planning by Hearts when they sell on Alexandros Kyzirdis etc. It would be a bonus to get him in during this window but wouldn't pay over the odds for him as we have loads of wide options.

Tam: I am surrounded by Old Firm fans at work and I have never seen them so worried. They have ruled Scottish football for too long, especially Celtic. This signing just shows how ambitious Hearts are and, if Mato has done his homework, he will want to join the Hearts juggernaut now. The future is Maroon.

Garry: Fascinating signing and certainly a statement. Mato, if reports are to be believed, had suitors in better leagues than Scotland. The success of Jamestown across a number of football clubs has not gone unnoticed. Has that begun to sway players to Hearts that otherwise would be out of reach?

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• Hearts boss Derek McInnes has managed 16 top-flight home matches against St Mirren in his career and lost none of them (W9 D7), with these coming across spells with St Johnstone (W2 D2), Aberdeen (W5 D3), and Kilmarnock (W2 D2).

• Hearts have won 17 of their past 21 home matches against St Mirren in the top flight (D2 L2), including six of their latest seven (L1).

• St Mirren have only had one win in their past seven league meetings with Hearts (D2 L4), a 2-1 triumph in September 2024.

• Hearts are unbeaten in 12 home league games (W9 D3), last going longer without a home defeat in the top flight from January to October 2004 (16).

• St Mirren have lost five of their past six away league outings (D1), conceding 2+ goals in all six of these fixtures (15 goals conceded in total).