Derek McInnes admits his Aberdeen side have no margin for error in the Premiership title race as they prepare for their Friday night fixture with Hearts.

The Dons could find themselves seven points behind league leaders Celtic by the time the Tynecastle clash kicks-off with Ronny Deila's men facing Dundee on Tuesday.

After responding to their defeat to Motherwell by beating Hamilton, McInnes says his team can't afford any more slip ups if they want to claim the crown.

He said: "We know there's no real room for error at this stage of the season to keep close to Celtic. It's results over performance at this stage, Sunday's performance was really pleasing."

Hearts' midweek fixture with Inverness CT was postponed following a virus, which decimated the capital club's squad. However there is currently no threat to Aberdeen's final pre-split fixture falling victim of the illness.

McInnes has been impressed with how Robbie Neilson's team have adapted to their first campaign back in the top flight but is looking for a similar score to October's 3-1 victory in Edinburgh earlier in the term.

"We were strong that day," he said. "We got ourselves in front and were quite clinical with our work in that first-half.

"We thought Hearts would be a strong side this season with the squad they've managed to put together.

"They've shown that and I think they deserve huge credit for the way they've performed this season. Very confident side, good experience in the right areas.

"We've got a tough job. But, if we get that level of performance again, it gives us a chance to go and win the game.

"We didn't set out this season to finish second. Last season, we were 20-odd points ahead of third spot and Hearts have certainly made sure that we are having to keep concentrating on that side of it.

"Hearts will qualify for Europe, as we have done, and they'll be trying to pull back us towards them as we're trying to pull Celtic back towards us.

"There's still plenty to play for. The three points are equally as important for both teams."