CELTIC were looking for a slip-up that would allow them a chance at heading atop the table this week.
But Hearts brushed off the pressure and brushed Kilmarnock aside 3-0 to put them five points clear.
And manager Derek McInnes knows despite it being a big test, welcoming the reigning champs is just another game.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the Rugby Park victory, he said: “I think every game’s important because it’s the same three points.
“A lot of people were asking me about the Celtic game ahead of this game, and I understand that.
“But we had to make sure we dealt with this game, it needed our full attention, and I’m glad we managed to do exactly that.
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“Now we can see where we are in terms of injuries and the like.
“Hopefully get one or two back as well and be as strong as we can be for that game when it comes up.
“But what a brilliant game to be involved in, against Celtic who are there to be shot at.
“League winners time and time again for a reason, so many good players, a really good manager.
“And it’ll be a test for us, there’s been a lot of tests we’ve had and we need to keep answering up.
“Keep focussing on our performance and keep trying to improve ourselves.
“Everybody’s wanting us to say this and that but the fight genuinely is with ourselves to keep improving.
“If we don’t improve then we won’t get to where we want to get to, and we just want to be as competitive as we can be.”
The Hoops will travel to Edinburgh, and last time out at Tynecastle a late goal sealed a massive derby win against rivals Hibernian.
McInnes was asked if he expects the stadium to be rocking, he replied: “It better be! I really hope it will be.
“The way we finished against Hibs at Tynecastle when we got the winner, I just wish we could bottle that because the atmosphere then was outstanding.
“I’m sure it will be, when Celtic come to town there’s a naturally good atmosphere anyway.
“But you seen the fans today, it’s a brilliant backing, great for the players to feel that and see it especially towards the end.
“Long may it continue, but we know we need to keep winning games for that to maintain.”
But with an enjoyable win under the belt and a massive game on the horizon, there wasn’t all that much time for the Jambos gaffer to reflect on his big return.
The Killie fixture was his first time back at Rugby Park since leaving in the summer to take on his current job.
He said: “I’ve got so many good times here, myself, my family, my staff had three-and-a-half years here.
“Majority was good times, we felt we done a good job here.
“It was so nice to see so many people, I had so many emails and calls when I left wishing me well.
“I’ve seen so many people around the stadium today, a lot of familiar faces.
“Obviously we’re here for the game and we want to make sure to enjoy the game. I enjoyed winning.
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“Stuart’s [Kettlewell] got Kilmarnock in a good place, they’ll do their thing, I need to move on to mine with Hearts.
“But I only wish Kilmarnock well, genuinely hope they do well.”
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