That win was just fan-tastic

Kearney dedicates Hearts victory to supporters

lot of very sore bodies.

“I wouldn’t say it has been a relief on a personal level – because the club have been brilliant.

“The board, Tony Fitzpatrick, the backroom staff have all been great with me.

“The fans have been super as well. I can’t thank them enough. Their patience has been amazing.

“From that point of view you could say it was a relief, not a relief for me, but a relief that I had actually done it for them.

“I’m just glad we could get a win for the fans and let them go and enjoy their Saturday night.”

The support erupted as the players and coaching staff applauded them off following the 2-0 victory.

And Kearney says he was keen to share the moment with them following the warm welcome he has received since arriving at the club.

He said: “I just wanted to show a way of saying thank you. I think you have to show that it means something.

“You could tell by the reaction of the fans just how much this club means to them.

“The excitement and relief might have took hold but it was nice to celebrate that with them.”

However, instead of joining in the party, Kearney revealed it was a quiet night in for him, as he prepared to return to Northern Ireland for the weekend.

He added: “The win meant the players could go home and enjoy it.

“Yes, of course, it was nice to go home on Saturday evening with a win behind me.”

You could tell by the reaction of the fans just how much this club means to them