Derek McInnes knows that when midweek games start to come Heart of Midlothian's way in the coming weeks and months, he'll need to utilise his squad more.
For now, though, after naming the same starting XI for four consecutive matches, the Scottish Premiership's August & September Manager of the Month sees no reason to veer away from the success gained by tapping into a consistent team.
Changes have been kept to a minimum, and little wonder, given the club's storming start to the campaign.
With Celtic coming to Tynecastle on Sunday afternoon, it seems reasonable to suggest McInnes will go with the same team that's served him so well in recent times.
▪️ Hearts "ready" for "biggest" test
▪️ "Encouraged" by start to season
▪️ Insists his side will get even "better"
▪️ January transfer plans underway
Hear from Hearts head coach Derek McInnes as the league leaders host champions Celtic on Sunday - 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲 on Sky Sports 📺 pic.twitter.com/tFzgpJJXqa— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) October 22, 2025
"I think when you're winning games, for any manager, you probably think less about changing it," the 54-year-old told Sky Sports. "You need to really look for real reasons to change it.
"The fact that we have been scoring goals with the same starting XI, the fact that we came clean sheets, there doesn't look like an obvious reason to change things. But every game has its own challenges. You need to look at each game in isolation. Consistency of selection is something that all managers would like to have.
"I think when the games come a wee bit thicker and faster, they're a wee bit spread out in the season, then you have to tap into your squad and maybe look for that freshness.
"But at the minute, when we're working week to week, there's not any real need to change with the results."
Read more:
- How Hearts fared in bounce game, first-team involvement and Ageu latest
- Hearts transfer stance for January transfer window revealed and Tony Bloom role
The Jambos gaffer also alluded to strengthening the squad when the next transfer window opens in January, admitting the club will try to 'get one or two things done'.
He added: "I still think we can be better. I think we train well. I think we train with motivation. I think we train professionally. The squad behind the team at the minute is pushing those standards. But I do think there's still room for improvement.
"We've obviously got players coming back from injury. The strength of the squad is encouraging for me and the staff.
"We're already planning for January and try to get one or two things done as well. The effort we're getting from everybody currently is giving us a lot of encouragement, but we still feel there's a bit more in us."
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