John Hartson reacts to whether Hearts can challenge Celtic for the title, and sends Rangers a warning

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There is a different look to the Premiership table heading into the second international break of the season.

It’s not Celtic sitting at the top, but Derek McInnes’ Hearts making it five wins from six over the weekend when they saw off Falkirk.

Before a ball was kicked this season, new investor Tony Bloom expressed that he wants Hearts to win the title, and that is the long-term aim.

But can it really happen? One man who understands Scottish football inside and out is John Hartson, and he shared his thoughts.

• READ MORE: Derek Ferguson is broken over Hearts after BBC man tells him ‘the reality’ of Rangers gap to Celtic

Can Hearts challenge Celtic for the Premiership title?

Tony Cascarino started the conversation, and he booted Rangers out of the picture by stating they have ‘no chance’ of even challenging Celtic.

But the former Republic of Ireland striker did ask Hartson if, ‘after all these years’, Hearts can do something that hasn’t been done since 1985.

Despite the noise and hype, Hartson told Go Radio that he ‘isn’t sure’ about Bloom’s influence on Hearts, and he thinks the ‘consistency’ of the champions of Scotland will prove to be too strong.

Cascarino: “Tell us, John, because north of the border, something strange is happening, where Hearts are top. Tony Bloom has an influence on the football club at Hearts. We know how successful he’s been.

“You have got Rangers, who I think have no chance, and many others, of challenging for the SPL. That leaves Celtic.

“Would you consider, after all these years, and you have to go back into the 80s, where anybody else, but Celtic or Rangers, won the SPL, could Hearts do it?”

Hartson: “Over 38 games, I can’t see it. It’s that longevity, it’s that consistency over the course of a season. They’ve had a great start.

“Not too sure about the Tony Bloom influence. Yes, he’s there. He’s going to spend money. I would imagine it’s great for Hearts, but it’s Derek McInnes.

“He has gone there. He’s done a good job. He was at Kilmarnock for a number of seasons. A big club in Aberdeen. When Rangers were demoted to the Championship, he did very well. Got them to several second places and cup finals.

“Can it happen? I don’t think so. I think Celtic are too strong over the period.”

Can Hearts split Celtic and Rangers?

Whilst Hartson can’t see Hearts knocking Celtic from their perch, he thinks there is a chance they can push Rangers off second place.

Rangers are sitting eighth in the table, and the under-fire Russell Martin continues to get stick, and Hartson stated it would be ‘wonderful’ for Hearts to get in between the Glasgow duo.

“I think for Hearts, if they can split Celtic and Rangers and potentially get into that second place, I think that would be wonderful for them,” added Hartson.