Former Hearts defender Christophe Berra believes Hearts are "in the driving seat" heading into the last three games of the Premiership season.
The Tynecastle club are three points above Celtic in second place, with nine points still to play for.
Berra, who came through the youth ranks at Hearts, thinks head coach Derek McInnes deserves a huge amount of credit for what he is on the cusp of achieving with his team.
"People think management is all about tactics, but it's about getting the players to play for you," Berra told BBC Scotland. "Derek's done that. The players will run through a brick wall for him. The character in the squad has been unbelievable.
"We're in the driving seat. The players will know that, the manager will know that. With three games to go, I think it's an amazing position to be in – and one the players are going to grasp."
While there is no doubt it has been an outstanding season for Hearts, it has also been a poor one for the Old Firm, particularly Rangers, who were all but knocked out of the title race with their defeat at Hearts on Monday.
Celtic, who have had three managers this term, have lost eight games in a season for the first time since the 1999-2000 campaign.
But Berra is pleased to see Hearts finally challenging the dominance of the Glasgow sides.
"We're used to Celtic being 10, 15 or even 20 points ahead and having the title wrapped up by now," he added. "Celtic and Rangers have not hit the levels they have previously, and Hearts have upped theirs.
"It's brought worldwide attention, which can only be good for the game. I think the majority of people outside the Old Firm want to see Hearts win it.
"It needs change. To do it two or three years in a row is a different challenge, but to break that Old Firm dominance would be incredible."
