Hearts' tall order, Boyle & McInnes in focus

The Scottish Premiership returns after a two-week hiatus to accommodate international fixtures.

The table was left with still many issues to be resolved with nine points separating Hibernian in third and Ross County in ninth.

And it is in that middle section of the division where most of the intrigue lies, with three rounds of games to play before the split.

Celtic remain comfortably on course for a fourth successive top-flight title, despite their home loss to Rangers last time out.

Brendan Rodgers' side hold a 13-point lead at the top of the division and will be champions if they win their next four matches.

Hearts, on the other hand, have work to do to secure a top-six place and challenge for Europe.

Winning at Celtic Park is a tall order. Hearts have lost 25 of their last 27 visits in all competitions.

But, under Steven Naismith, Hearts did enjoy a 2-0 away win over the champions last season and Rangers have shown Rodgers' men can be beaten in their own backyard.

Should Neil Critchley's team come away empty handed, it could have big ramifications. Hearts are sixth, a point above Motherwell, four points in front of St Mirren and Ross County and two points below Dundee United.

Fresh from helping Australia defeat Indonesia and China, Hibernian forward Martin Boyle can extend his recent resurgence at home to St Johnstone.

But it's not just Hibs' push for finishing third that is likely to be on Boyle's mind since the 31-year-old will soon enter the final two months of his contract.

The club has an option to extend his stay for another year, although Boyle has said conversations are unlikely until this term is complete.

He has three goals in his past five appearances for club and country. He's on to 14 for the season at Hibs, exceeding last term's haul of 11.

He scored the clincher in September's 2-0 win over Saints and a goal on Saturday would mean he equals his highest tally at Hibs in season 2020-21.

With eight games to play, Boyle will surely fancy his chances of making the current campaign his most prolific.

Dundee's recent win over Dundee United has made life a bit more uncomfortable for Kilmarnock in 10th.

Derek McInnes' side are a point above the Dens Park side, with St Johnstone five points below the Dark Blues.

Guiding Killie clear of the bottom two places will be a test of McInnes' vast experience and results at this stage of the season are all that matters.

A trip to top six-chasing St Mirren is the next assignment and this is a fixture that McInnes generally enjoys.

The 53-year-old is unbeaten against the Buddies as Kilmarnock manager with five wins and four draws.

Guiding the Rugby Park side to another three points in Paisley would go a long way to securing a berth in next season's Premiership.