Only the guys see real Ian

Ian Cathro says only his players have seen his real character – and he wants to keep it that way.

The Hearts head coach has come under intense scrutiny in his first four months, his non-playing background and studious manner seeing his dressingroom authority constantly questioned.

But he insists he has fire and does let off steam in front of his squad.

Cathro, who goes into today’s clash with Celtic nursing a record of just five wins in 17 games in charge, knows what he wants from his side and understands differences of opinion.

He said: “The big difference is you are entirely responsible for the tone of everything, the message of everything, the direction of everything, every day.

“Everything needs to be clear and make sense, be reasoned and solid with no sense of just being emotional. It has to be real but there is still a case for emotion.

“In this room and other places? No. But in my place? My room? Yeah.

“It’ll be a while before that maybe creeps from the confines of what’s ‘us’ to the outside . I hope we maintain that.”

Today’s pros require more sophistication in their day to day than the ‘good cop, bad cop’ routine from gaffers.

And Cathro insists there are better ways to convey your authority. He said: “It comes across in all manner of ways. The vast majority, particularly at the highest level, comes from knowledge and players having the belief you can help them.

“You have things that help the team and that connects the whole thing.

“In different situations, there are appropriate ways to deal with things but you have to balance demands and respect.”

He’s well aware his situation is no longer abstract or theory, though. Hearts’ fall from second to fifth on his watch is as real as it comes and he gets that there’s little point in thinking too long term.

He said: “There are moments tomorrow doesn’t matter if you don’t fix today.

“We need consistent runs of positive displays that, in turn, give us positive results and that removes doubt.

“How I’m doing in my first job will be a point of comment, debate and opinion. And whether I’ve established myself might well come up.

“My concern is for the fans, I’m not fussed with how I’m regarded.”

Hearts face three games in seven days which may determine their hopes for Europe.

Cathro said: “Europe needs to become a normal thing for Hearts.”