Derek McInnes, Hearts’ head coach, feels for the fans because less than 1,000 supporters will be able to attend the club’s final match in the split at Celtic Park against the defending champions.
Football bosses have decreed that the Men in Maroon will visit Parkhead on May 16 with a 12.30 kick-off.
McInnes told the media: “I can understand the frustration and it is really disappointing but, listen, lets hope we are going into that game with plenty to play for, but we have a lot of work to do before then.”
The fixtures were, he said, what he was expecting and had anticipated that so when they came through there was no real surprise.
McInnes said: “Kick-off times are a bit unusual at times, and it is not great for the fans, but having three away games it is probably difficult to fit them in.
“There has been a lot of narrative and comment about the change. Normally, the team who goes into the split with the most points normally gets a home game in the last game of the season for obvious reasons, and that has not been the case this time.
“Not everybody is going to be happy and the league have a tough job trying to keep everybody happy and all supporters happy but, for us, we are excited about the games coming up. You look at them and we have got mouth-watering fixtures.”
McInnes added: “We said the split would sort everything out and these fixtures will, they are brilliant fixtures.
“To be honest, we are just delighted to be part of the whole conversation and delighted to be in amongst it. We are looking forward to the games coming up.”
He conceded it is not ideal for the fans, particularly the Bank Holiday Monday, as not everybody gets the Bank Holiday, but he added: “It is moved for TV for a reason because of where we are in the league.
“We are excited to be in among it.”
McInnes revealed that the club have appealed the red card shown to midfielder Marc Leonard in the 97th minute of Sunday’s clash at Livingston which ended in a 2-2 draw.
As regards team news for Saturday’s final game against Motherwell before the split, McInnes confirmed that big defender Stuart Findlay will be in contention for a place and versatile Harry Milne was back running at Wednesday’s training session at The Oriam. He is not ruled out of the weekend, but midfielder Tomas Magnusson is sidelined.
Stephen Kingsley, who return to duty at Livingston, came through with no adverse effects.
LEADING: Lawrence Shankland showing the way in training. Picture Nigel Duncan
CLEAN BILL OF HEALTH: Stephen Kingsley had no issues after appearing against Livingston. Picture Nigel Duncan
FOCUSED: Claudio Braga in training with Alex Kyziridis. Picture Nigel Duncan
CONCENTRATED: Cammy Devlin at Riccarton. Picture Nigel Duncan
