Former Hearts defender Paul Ritchie believes there will be both nerves and confidence in the current squad as they target a remarkable Scottish Premiership triumph.

Ritchie, who was part of the Hearts squad that ultimately finished third behind Celtic and Rangers in the 1997-98 season, has backed Derek McInnes' team to finish the job.

Hearts are one point clear of Rangers and three above Celtic with five matches left.

"To be above Rangers and Celtic very rarely happens so there will be a confidence in the group," Ritchie said on the Sacked in the Morning podcast.

"There are strong characters there and a great manager.

"The balance needs to be right. A lot of players will be nervous, but they have earned the right to be where they are, so they must have the confidence to finish it off in the last five games."

Ritchie says this Hearts team have the chance to do what his side failed to do in their title challenge - win at Easter Road when it matters.

Hearts travel to their Edinburgh rivals on Sunday (16:30 BST).

"It's going to come down to the same game - when we lost to Hibs at Easter Road - they have a chance to rectify it and do it right," Ritchie said.

"At that time, we didn't have enough to get over the line; this group does. It's a fantastic achievement where they are and they are so close now."