Confident David Weir reckons Hearts can mount a serious title tilt this season while Celtic and Rangers are focusing on European football.
Robbie Neilson's side remain the only unbeaten side in the Scottish Premiership and have caused problems for their Glasgow counterparts so far this term.
They sit three points behind Steven Gerrard's leaders, and a point ahead of the Parkhead side who are building momentum under Ange Postecoglou.
However, former Hearts and Rangers defender Weir insists they can make a push for top spot this season, as they don't have Europa League distractions to contend with.
When asked by Football Pass if the Jambos are title contenders, Weir said: "Yeah, they definitely are.
"It's very early in the season, and neither Rangers or Celtic are firing on all cylinders, so there is definitely an opportunity there.
"I think the European games are a little bit of a distraction for both Rangers and Celtic as well.
"Dundee United have started well, Hibs have started well, so the league is competitive. I think this league is a strong league, and there are real grounds for teams to make a serious challenge and have an affect on the top level of the league, and Hearts are capable of that.
"If they can stay in and about it until January, then improve and push again, they can definitely make an impression and challenge at that end."
Having lifted three titles with Rangers, Weir knows what it will take for Neilson's men to take the Premiership crown to the capital.
He added: "They have to keep the consistency up, which is obviously the hardest thing.
"I've been in it with Hearts, when we were getting down to the last five or six games with Rangers or Celtic, and on that occasion and occasions before, Rangers and Celtic's resources have just proved to be that bit stronger.
"In our case we got a couple of injuries and probably didn't quite have the capacity in the squad to deal with that, whereas Rangers and Celtic do.
"Rangers have real depth in their squad, I think that's obvious to see, and I think Celtic are building that as well, whereas Hearts probably don't quite have that yet."
