McInnes insists Celtic hold aces but Hearts have strong hand after moving eight clear

JAMBOREE: Heart of Midlothian players celebrate after the William Hill Premiership match at Tynecastle Park, Edinburgh. Pic: Steve Welsh/PA Wire

Derek McInnes insisted Celtic still hold all the aces as he stuck steadfastly to his policy of downplaying Hearts' title chances after a convincing 3-1 victory over the ailing champions took his buoyant side eight points clear at the top of the William Hill Premiership.

The Jambos find themselves in uncharted territory, enjoying the size of lead no team outside Glasgow has held at any point during the past four decades of unbroken Old Firm dominance of the Scottish top flight.