San Francisco Frontiers - Ferguson inspiring Hearts' bid for Scottish title history

McInnes became friendly with Ferguson, who retired as United boss in 2013, when he played for Rangers under the Scot's close pal Walter Smith in the 1990s.

The pair have remained in contact ever since and the 84-year-old will be at Hearts for Saturday's clash with Aberdeen as the leaders look to move a step closer to their first title since 1960.

McInnes is bidding to become the first non-Celtic or Rangers managers to win the title since Ferguson led Aberdeen to glory in 1985.

"I spoke to him again today, actually. He's coming to our game on Saturday, so I'm looking forward to catching up with him," McInnes said on Wednesday.

"He knows my players, he's well aware of who's who, and some of them still can't get their head around that when I tell them."

Hearts are four points clear of second-placed Rangers and six ahead of third-placed Celtic, who have a game in hand.

Asked if Ferguson was rooting for Hearts to end the Old Firm duopoly by winning the title, McInnes said: "I'm pretty sure that is the case!"

McInnes knows he is privileged to be able to use Ferguson as a sounding board after a glittering managerial career, including 13 Premier League titles and two Champions Leagues with United.

"He's good to give you little pointers and little nuggets of experience that he had in run-ins and things like that, so he's been good as gold," McInnes said.

"Every conversation I have with him I feel privileged and I always get something from it because he's lived it.

"He's done title wins and these sort of situations when there's a lot of high pressure. There's so much that he says is valid and worthwhile.

"It's nice that he's reached out to me and been speaking a lot recently."

N.Wilson--SFF