Derek McInnes likes the look of Hearts ahead of top-of-the-table Celtic showdown

Derek McInnes believes his Hearts side could hardly be in better shape as they prepare for “the toughest challenge of them all” in next Sunday’s tantalising top-of-the-table showdown with Celtic at Tynecastle.

The unbeaten Jambos maintained their position at the summit of the William Hill Premiership when they made it seven wins from eight league matches with a ruthless 3-0 destruction of Kilmarnock at Rugby Park on Saturday.

Craig Halkett headed the opener before Claudio Braga’s second-half double sealed a fifth consecutive victory in front of 3,900 travelling supporters, setting the buoyant Edinburgh side up nicely for the visit of Brendan Rodgers’ champions.

“It’ll take care of itself, that one,” said manager McInnes. “I was getting asked loads about the Celtic game prior to the Kilmarnock game, which was kind of annoying me a wee bit because that game needed our full attention, but now that we’ve won it, obviously we can look forward to the game.

“The game will lend itself to a brilliant atmosphere. And of all the challenges we’ve had – and there’s been many, and we keep coming up with answers at the minute – next Sunday’s the toughest challenge of them all.

“Any time you play Celtic, it’s the toughest challenge. But I think we’re going into it in a good place.

“The players should be pleased with their efforts and their performances. The majority are playing at a high level at the minute, the crowd will help us, the wins going into the game and the confidence from that will help us, but we’ve got to keep maintaining and improving our performance if we’re going to try and beat a team like Celtic.”

McInnes hailed the impact of talismanic Portuguese forward Braga, who took his tally to eight goals since arriving from Norwegian second-tier side Aalesund in the summer.

“He’s so effervescent and enthusiastic,” said the manager. “There’s never days where he comes in and it looks like a bit too much hard work. He’s always smiling, always positive and he’s a great team-mate.

“I think Hearts fans have taken to him because they can see that screaming out of him, how much he’s loving being here. And we’re loving having him.”

Kilmarnock endured a turbulent build-up to the match after striker Djenairo Daniels was ruled out for the remainder of the season with a serious injury sustained on international duty while goalkeeper Max Stryjek missed out after a routine annual health check flagged up an unspecified medical issue that “requires further investigation”.

Manager Stuart Kettlewell said: “We faced a bit of adversity this week and every time they have done previously, their response and reaction has been great.

“Tonight it wasn’t and we have to pick ourselves up again.

“I’m really disappointed but the toys won’t come out (of) the pram from me. We’ve had a decent start to the season but we need to reset and make better decisions.

“That’s as sore as it’s been and we have to revert to what we’ve been good at, and I’m certain they’ll do that.”