It's strange to think that despite Hearts not being in action during the past 10 days, we emerged from the weekend stronger than we started it.
I know cup competitions are a break from the league campaign, and each round is a one‑off game, but anyone who endured that Old Firm quarter‑final will tell you both sides are not in great shape.
Concentrating purely on the footballing aspect of that match, both sets of supporters were unhappy with how their side fared and have cause for concern heading into the final couple of months of the league season.
As a Hearts supporter, I'm quite happy for the narrative to be peddled that both Glasgow sides are the 'worst version' of themselves and are playing poorly. With that comes additional scrutiny.
It also allows us to go about our business and take care of each game as it comes in the background.
We have a five‑point lead with nine games remaining and are the makers of our own destiny. People might want to apply pressure or try to unnerve Derek McInnes' side, but we'll simply continue to do what we've done since late September and be content for the focus to remain on the downfall of other teams rather than how well Hearts have consistently played this campaign.
Jambos are one of the most reactionary fanbases, but I feel we're quite grounded heading into the next couple of months, and that is reflected in the messages McInnes continues to deliver when speaking to the media.
There's also a good portion of the support that remembers Dens Park 40 years ago – even I know all about it and wasn't even born – so we've learned not to count our chickens before they hatch.
We've got a tough match at Kilmarnock on Saturday evening and, despite their struggles in recent weeks, they'll pose a difficult challenge. I'd gladly accept a scrappy 1-0 victory.
Hopefully Cammy Devlin is fit enough to make the bench and perhaps make his comeback from injury in the second half to add some steel and energy.
