DEREK McINNES has pledged his commitment to Hearts amid talk over a potential shock switch to Rangers.
The Hearts boss has been linked with the Rangers job to replace Russell Martin after Steven Gerrard pulled out of the race on Saturday.
Kevin Muscat and Danny Rohl are the leading contenders but McInnes’ name has been touted in recent days as well.
SunSport understands McInnes is NOT being considered by Rangers chiefs, though.
And declaring where his future lies after a stunning start to his Jambos reign, McInnes told Sky Sports: “Normally if you’re a manager you’re usually fighting off speculation about trying to keep your job, but if you’re doing well then there’s speculation (too).
“My job is firmly here at Hearts, I’m really enjoying it here.
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“I’ve wanted to be here for a long time, I’m really enjoying my work here. We really feel like we’ve started something now and we want to make sure we follow up a strong start to the season and see where it takes us.
“I firmly believe we can be successful here.”
McInnes quickly emerged as a popular choice for Rangers fans, with legend Ally McCoist urging his old club to make a move for him.
He also reckons St Mirren boss Stephen Robinson should be considered too.
He said this week: “There’s nobody in Scotland who knows the Scottish game better than Derek.
“The job Stephen Robinson has done at St Mirren has been remarkable.
“I think the Rangers fans clearly want a good coach and a good manager in, but I think just as important, they need someone in the club that gets it.
“It doesn’t need to the manager, but they need someone within the club that knows what it’s about. I don’t think we’ve got that.
McInnes, 54, was named the Premiership Manager of the Month after going unbeaten in the first seven games of the season.
The Gorgie side have won six and drawn one so far this campaign, including a derby win over Hibs at Tynecastle.
He has guided Hearts to the top of the table and they sit two points clear of Celtic ahead of this weekend’s fixtures.
He faces his old team Kilmarnock at Rugby Park on Saturday night and will move five points clear in first if they clinch another victory, with Celtic taking on Dundee on Sunday.
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