DERBY ROW IS JUST LIKE FIGHT HYPE TO HARTSON

MOVIE-GOERS in Edinburgh’s Fountain Park are currently flocking to see Hugh Jackman star in

Along the road at Tynecastle, however, John Hartson believes that Craig Levein and Neil Lennon have been just as effective as PT Barnum in drawing national attention to a local production.

Levein’s bold claim that last weekend’s derby win for Hearts had restored the ‘natural order’ in the capital left fuming Hibs rival Lennon declaring that ‘the gloves are off’.

For Hartson, it was sheer showmanship from two heavyweight managers and enjoyably reminiscent of a hyped prize fight. ‘Having two fiery managers winding each other up can only be good. It will all add to the build-up to the next derby,’ he said.

‘It’s a bit like the building-up of a boxing match. Tony Bellew is the best at it and I love all that. ‘Then after the fight, the boxers are hugging and kissing each other and saying they’ve got to do it all over again!

‘It’s great for the fixture and the punters — and both men will shake each other’s hands eventually.’

Hartson believes Lennon took the bait from Levein on Sunday but insists his ex-Celtic teammate had justifiable reasons for feeling slighted.

‘I don’t know about Neil holding a grudge but he can certainly hold his own,’ said the former Wales striker.

‘Lenny has a great record against Hearts. That was Hibs’ first defeat in ten Edinburgh derbies.

‘So I think it was a bit rich of Craig Levein to come out with that “natural order” stuff, but he’s entitled to his opinion.

‘It was probably more tonguein-cheek than anything from Craig but Neil has obviously bitten.

‘Neil has taken the bait but he has to stand up for himself — and he is nobody’s fool.

‘Look at the recent incident with Anthony Stokes being left out of the derby after breaching a club curfew in Portugal.

‘When Neil has to be strict, he will be strict. There’s no laughing and joking with him. Managing a big club like Hibs is a serious business but I know he’s really enjoying it because I speak to him a lot.

‘On Sunday, he was probably thinking: “How dare he…” He probably couldn’t believe the audacity (of Levein).

‘But Craig knew what he was doing. He said it to try and get a bite and he got it.

‘It’s probably a bit like Jose Mourinho and Sir Alex Ferguson in their heyday. It’s all mind games.’

Hibs currently lead Hearts by five points in the Scottish Premiership and Hartson expects the pair to be involved in a compelling battle for a European place.

Ultimately, he is delighted to see both clubs on the up again after they had to battle back from relegation.

‘Lenny did well bringing Hibs up and he’s had some fabulous results this season, winning at Ibrox and drawing at Celtic Park,’ he added.

‘So, although he has just lost a derby game, let’s not forget how well he has done.

‘But Craig Levein has done a fantastic job as well.

‘I was very impressed with Hearts against Celtic at Tynecastle, when they beat them 4-0 to become the first domestic side to inflict a defeat on Brendan Rodgers.

‘They approached that game in the perfect manner. Even at 2-0 up, I thought Celtic might still win but Craig set his team up perfectly.

‘It looks like Rangers and Aberdeen are fighting it out for second place.

‘Then you’re looking at Hibs and Hearts to push on for that last European spot. But it’s just good to see both sides doing so well.’