LENNY: WIN& GETA BREAK
Dump the Jambos and we get week off says McGregor
HEAD boy Darren McGregor wants to earn the right to put his feet up against Hearts. The Hibs defender secured a priceless win against former club Rangers with a late leveller on Boxing Day and there’s more than just bragging rights at stake in the Edinburgh derby tomorrow. Neil Lennon’s squad could move into the top six and onto the shoulder of their fiercest rivals with a win that would extend their unbeaten run to seven matches. The Hibs gaffer has also promised them vital time off over New Year if they make it seven games undefeated against the Jambos at Easter Road, with five wins from their last five meetings. McGregor said: “We definitely want to go into the winter break with a victory. The gaffer says he’ll give us a week off if we win so there’s a big incentive there. “If we don’t win? He’ll probably have us in. I don’t want to think about that. The incentive is there. It would be great to go into the break having picked up three points against our arch rivals but it’s going to be a difficult game. “Actually, I haven’t played much in the first half of the season so I could do with kicking on but the winter break’s been implemented to give everyone the chance to recharge their batteries.
“I am quite happy with it. The club is also taking us to Dubai and although I’ve been before I would imagine this will be a different experience, running in 30-degree heat rather than lying back on a sun lounger.”
McGregor was on cloud nine at Ibrox on Wednesday as he rose with just four minutes remaining to extend his side’s unbeaten run and dent confidence in the potential of his former club to launch a legitimate title charge.
Hibs and Hearts fought out a goalless draw at Tynecastle in October in one of the most ugly and controversial games of the season, off the field at least.
Lennon was felled by a coin thrown from the main stand, Jambos keeper Bobby Zlamal was hooked by a fan and Hibees midfielder Marvin Bartley was hit with a lighter.
Florian Kamberi was sent off for two yellow cards and Hearts had an injury-time goal disallowed when Clevid Dikamona’s header was ruled offside. Lennon and Craig Levein have also clashed verbally in the past, with the Hibs boss left particularly irate when his rival declared “natural order” had been restored following a Hearts win last season.
McGregor said: “I really enjoy the rivalry, the fans love it. We’re in the game to play at great stadia like Ibrox and Easter Road against your arch enemies. That’s why football is such a fantastic game.
“Rivalries are all part of the derby experience, among players and managers. Deep down I think those two (Lennon and Levein) really like each other.
“It’s maybe showmanship. Both managers want to win and they are both feisty. As long as it stays on the park, in the confines of the game. It’s great because it motivates us and the fans.
“We’d like to be higher up the table but there’s not much between the teams, We are unbeaten in six games now, albeit we have only won a couple of matches.
“We are not far away and are definitely working towards something. Hopefully going to Ibrox and coming away with a point gives us confidence to take into the weekend.”