By Andy Coyle

Copyright stv

Former Hearts captain Christophe Berra has enjoyed what he has seen of the Tynecastle side this season – and has no doubt they can split the Old Firm and finish second in the league.

Saturday’s win over Falkirk continued a strong start to the league season, and has the team sitting top of the Premiership as they prepare to face Hibs in the Edinburgh derby this season.

Derek McInnes has put together a formidable side after a busy season of recruitment, aided by investor Tony Bloom’s Jamestown Analytics, and the side has gelled quickly, with a couple of additions catching Berra’s eye.

“So far, the players they’ve brought in like (Claudio) Braga and the wide man (Alexandros) Kyziridis look good,” Berra told STV News.

“I think he’s scored two already so they are bringing players in who are scoring goals and are a threat throughout the whole pitch.

“You need to utilise Jamestown and the technology they’ve got. At Brighton and [Bloom’s] other clubs, it’s brought success.”

While Bloom is on record as saying he would like to see a title win within the next decade, the impressive start to this year’s Premiership business has raised some questions about whether Premiership glory could arrive sooner than even the most optimistic fans might have thought.

Berra is much more cautious, pointing out Celtic’s dominance and track record, but he does think Hearts can take advantage of Rangers’ struggles.

“Celtic are the favourites and haven’t hit full steam ahead yet,” the former defender said. “Rangers have shown they are very vulnerable, and there is no doubt Hearts can finish second.

To win the league is going to be a push, it’s through the whole season and Celtic have got that experience.

“But it’s early in the season, and you just take it one game at a time.

“Take every game as it comes, and don’t look too far ahead.”

City rivals Hibernian have had some highs and lows this season and haven’t quite hit the levels they are capable of on a consistent basis.

They travel to Tynecastle on Saturday looking for a special derby moment that can lift their season and former Hibs favourite Kevin Thomson is anticipating a thrilling match.

“I think they know they can do it because they’ve done it before,” he said.

“As an ex-Hibs player, you would never go to Tynecastle thinking ‘Oh, we’re going to win today’ but you believed you could win.

“You knew how difficult a game it was going to be. I was on the end of some sore ones, but I loved the derbies, loved the atmosphere at the old Tynecastle and the fans getting on top of you.

“It’ll be a brilliant spectacle, so let’s hope we get a bit of quality.

“I anticipate goals, let’s hope it’s not 0-0.”