Derek McInnes 'absolutely committed to Hearts' amid link to Rangers job

Derek McInnes has told STV Sport that he is “absolutely committed“ to Hearts, amid speculation over the vacant Rangers manager’s job.

Following Russell Martin’s sacking over a week ago, the Ibrox club continue to search for a new head coach.

McInnes, who was named on Tuesday as Glen’s Manager of the Month for the second successive month, has seen his stock rise following Hearts’ strong start to the season.

The Gorgie club sit top of the Scottish Premiership, two points clear of Celtic, and are unbeaten after seven games.

Rangers Head Coach Russell Martin looks dejected during a William Hill Premiership match between Falkirk and Rangers at the Falkirk Stadium, on October 5. SNS Group

STV Sport understands Hearts haven’t received an approach from Rangers for McInnes, as they ramp up their search for a replacement to Martin.

Rangers had hoped to have a permanent successor to the 39-year-old in place by their match against Dundee United on Saturday.

McInnes, who has previously turned down the manager’s job at Ibrox, has said he is “loving life at Hearts” and is “absolutely committed”.

“I love it here”, the 54-year-old told STV Sport. “It’s been a long time for me coming here.

“I always thought this was a job that I wanted to be at. I’m working with some good people, I mentioned a few there, the support from Graeme Jones and the board, but the players have been first class in terms of their efforts day in and day out, and, I think for us, we feel we can be successful here, we really do.

Asked if he is committed to his club, McInnes said: “Absolutely. I’m the Hearts manager. Normally, when managers are doing well, sometimes there can be speculation.

“Equally, when managers aren’t doing well, there can be speculation about their own job, but for us, at Hearts, we are just concentrating on our work.”

It means Rangers’ search for Martin’s successor continues after talks broke down with Steven Gerrard last week.

Gerrard had held talks with the Rangers hierarchy in London about the possibility of returning to Ibrox for a second spell, but he turned down the chance to return as manager.

The Englishman had been installed as the bookmaker’s favourite to be the club’s new manager, but following discussions, it’s understood that he felt it was not the right time to return to Glasgow.

Martin, who was appointed as head coach in the summer, departed Ibrox after a 1-1 draw with Falkirk.

That result leaves them eighth in the Premiership with just one win from seven league games.