Derek McInnes has told Sky Sports News that his job is “hardly in the back of his mind” as he continues to be linked with Rangers replacement Russell Martin.

Many believe the former Ibrox midfielder would be the perfect fit for Rangers after guiding Jambos to the top of the Scottish Premiership this season.

The 54-year-old is unbeaten in the league so far this season and has now won two consecutive Premier League Manager of the Month awards.

He insists he has achieved a lot at Tynecastle Park.

“For a manager, if you’re not winning games or trying to keep your job, you usually struggle with speculation. Normally, if you’re doing well, then there can be some speculation,” the former Kilmarnock boss told Sky Sports News.

“For us, my job here is firmly in the heart. I really enjoy being here. I’ve wanted to come here for a long time.

“I’ve really enjoyed working here. We feel like we’ve hit something now and we want to try to make sure we get off to a strong start to the season. Keep it up and see where it takes us. I have no doubt we can be successful here.”

Hearts are two points ahead of Celtic in the Scottish Premiership and the sides will face each other live on Sky Sports next month.

“We deserve to be where we are,” he added.

“You have to say, in the games we’ve played, I think the results are where they should be. I do feel like, for us, improving is still a battle we have with ourselves.

“The expectation from Hearts supporters is to be a better first team than last season. To get to the top of the league and try to challenge for a European place. It’s no different.

“The season is still in its infancy. I know we’re almost to November and we’ve only played seven league games. We’ve got a long way to go but we’re enjoying it.”

“As a staff and as a group of players, I think we feel like we have more to come and hopefully that will come to fruition. We’re looking forward to it.

“Everything we get we work very hard for. We have to keep working hard to have any success here.”

Boyd: McInnis ‘less risky’ for Rangers

Chris Boyd, Sky Sports:

“Every appointment is risky. Some appointments are less risky, which is why I keep coming back to Derek McInnes.

“He has shown over the years what he did at Aberdeen. He took Kilmarnock out of the Championship and into European football within a few years.

“He went to Hearts and you look at the job he’s done so far.

“Regarding Scottish players, I’ve said before that Rangers have been snobbish about signing Scottish players of late and that seems to be the case with the manager as well.

“I know it doesn’t look good because they’re having a hard time finding a manager at the moment, but it’s still a good football club.

“It’s still a huge institution and will continue to thrive, but now it seems like someone needs to grab it and bring it back.

“To me, Derek McGinnis would be the guy to do it.”