Chisholm, who lives a mile from the stadium and has been a Hearts fan from the age of eight, lost both his parents in a car crash when he was 21.

He has his dad’s Ace of Hearts Club membership card from 1971 in his breast pocket at every game and it will be there again on Wednesday for what could be the performance of his life if he can help inspire Hearts to victory over Falkirk.

If reigning champions Celtic lose in Motherwell at the same time, Derek McInnes’ side will lift the trophy. If not, it will go to a final-day, head-to-head showdown at Celtic Park.

“As soon as the music starts and I’ve started singing, I’m off and running, I’m fine,” he said. “I only become nervous and tense watching the game – and the last few games, it’s been very difficult for everyone.

“This feeling of tension and stress, people aren’t enjoying the football very much, it’s just horrendous.

“But, whatever happens on Wednesday, it’s still in Hearts’ hands. The crowd have to do everything we can because the boys are probably feeling gutted after the weekend [when Celtic trimmed their lead to one point].”

Chisholm admits that, while most Hearts fans have been supportive, some feared his singing might jinx their chances as they look to avoid the last-day disappointment of 1986, when Dundee beat them 2-0 to hand the title to Celtic.

“I was there behind the goal with my head in my hands when the second goal from Albert Kidd went in,” he recalled. “But this is a different ball game.

“I just feel there’s a movement here. A feeling of wellbeing within the club. There’s a camaraderie I’ve seen first hand within the players and between the players and McInnes. This is our time.”