Jim Jefferies: Hearts can challenge Celtic for Premiership title

Former Hearts boss Jim Jefferies says his old club can push Celtic all the way in the Scottish Premiership title race.

Jefferies, who also had spells in charge of Dunfermline and Kilmarnock, thinks Robbie Neilson's men are perfectly placed to mount a serious challenge following an impressive start to the season.

Hearts have notched four wins from four games since their return to Scotland's top flight and currently sit top of the table.

And Jefferies has no doubt that they can continue that form, saying: "I can see them sustaining the challenge.

"If you look at some of their matches, Dundee and Ross County are two teams who have been going well. They won those games and have got a bit of momentum and that will help their confidence. They've shown that they will be there or thereabouts this year.

"I believe in the coming weeks they have back-to-back games against Aberdeen and Celtic so that will be a big test but they've shown they are capable of getting a result."

Jefferies spent 14 years as a player and had two spells as manager at Tynecastle. In his first period in charge, he took them to within eight points of winning the top tier of Scottish football.

That remains the closest any team outside of Glasgow has come to winning the title since Scotland finished three points behind Rangers in the 1993-94 season.

And while this is the Gorgie club's first foray in the Premiership since their relegation in 2014, Jefferies says the structure and support at Hearts can help them in their challenge.

"Hearts are a big club and the fans have rallied round in a difficult period," added the former Bradford boss.

"They've shown that by having full houses at every game and creating a great atmosphere, which is a great plus for them. Any team coming there, it's going to be intimating for them."

They (Hearts) have got a bit of momentum and that will help their confidence. They've shown that they will be there or thereabouts this year.

While Celtic remain firm favourites in the minds of pundits and bookmakers, the Scottish Cup-winning manager of 1998 claims their European exploits will take their toll throughout the season.

He said: "Kilmarnock showed that they aren't infallible. You can get to them and you can get a result against them so that encourages every other team.

"They've got a massive game next week and if they pull it off, that's going to tie them down to Champions League football and that can only be a help to the others.

"I know from being involved in European games with Hearts that coming back after a match, that next fixture is always difficult. Historically it's always been proved that way. Celtic know that's one of the challenges they have to face."

Hearts have confirmed their match against Partick Thistle this Saturday is a sell-out as they look to continue their 100% start to the season.