In a weekend where Storm Boelo caused havoc across Scotland, Hearts navigated the choppy waters of the past seven days about as well as anyone could have hoped.

A respectable 2-0 defeat to Trabzonspor with a threadbare squad was followed by a first league win outside the EH postcode in nine months with a 2-0 victory at Motherwell, to ensure the week ended on a positive note.

After the bruising defeat by Celtic, it was important for Wouter Vrancken and his players to respond, particularly during such a demanding run of fixtures.

Two matches in the next five days could help define Vrancken's Hearts legacy: Rangers at Tynecastle, then the Edinburgh derby at Hampden on Sunday for a place in the League Cup final.

Wednesday brings Derek McInnes back to Gorgie for the first time since he stepped off the bus to address supporters after the league decider at Celtic Park. It is safe to assume the welcome will be rather less warm than it was that day in May.

Hearts may have fewer points than at the same stage last season under McInnes, but I doubt many supporters would rather go into this match with him in charge.

That is not because McInnes was unpopular. Jambos simply prefer the football Vrancken wants to play and we can be reasonably confident he has no great desire to manage another Scottish club, which increases his reverence from those of a maroon persuasion.

We also know how McInnes' Rangers are likely to approach this game: a 4-4-2, one to one marking and a reluctance to press Beau Reus on the ball, much like his Hearts side played against the Old Firm last season. If I can see that coming, Vrancken certainly can.

Team selection remains an injury tombola, but the approach should be easier to forecast: Hearts will look to attack Rangers from the off.

That game may take care of itself. The Hibs tie worries me more. Given their dreadful start to the league campaign and poor record in Edinburgh derbies at Hampden, they have virtually nothing to lose.

On the bigger pitch, with more space to exploit, Hibs will try to force mistakes and break quickly. The decisive battle will be in midfield.

If Hearts control that area and cut out the individual errors, I am confident we will reach the final - and that this will become Vrancken's favourite week so far as Hearts boss.