Ashcroft looks to pile pressure on Hearts

Tynecastle’s intimidating atmosphere makes it Lee Ashcroft’s favourite ground, but the defender insists Dunfermline will be doing all they can to ensure it is Hearts feeling the heat this afternoon.

Hearts and head coach Ian Cathro are under pressure after their shock defeat to League Two Peterhead on Tuesday and need a win to progress to the knockout stages of the Betfred Cup.

With two victories and a bonus-point draw, Dunfermline top Group B and know a point will be good enough to keep them there.

Ashcroft, who fondly remembers a 4-0 victory with Kilmarnock in Gorgie in December 2013, is hopeful the Fifers can add to their hosts’ woes and tap in to any nerves the Jambos are feeling.

He said: “Tynecastle is definitely my favourite place to play. I’ve played there a couple of times when I was at Killie and absolutely loved it.

“It’s quite intimidating. You obviously get your insults and so on but it creates a really good atmosphere.

“We won 4-0 in my first game there, so I’m looking forward to going back – and it’s a big game for us, so it’s one to look forward to.”

He added: “I’m sure they’ll be really disappointed with the Peterhead result and looking to make it up to their fans, so it’s going to be an even harder game for us now.

“But if we can get anything out of the game then we’re through. We could get anyone in the last 16 after that, so hopefully we can get a positive result and look forward to the draw.

“I’m sure they’ll come out fast and try to get a response but if we can handle that and get on top it’s never good when your own crowd is on your back.

“Hopefully we can go there and frustrate them and go and win the game.”

Hearts could look again to Kyle Lafferty to spark life into their play, with the former Rangers striker having netted an impressive four goals in just three competitive games.

Ashcroft knows the Dunfermline defence could have their work cut out trying to keep out the Northern Ireland internationalist, but he is relishing the task.

The 23-year-old added: “Kyle Lafferty will be a big test for us in defence.

“He’s an experienced player, he’s been about the place, and it’s nice seeing how you can do against someone like that.”

Picture: SNS. Lee Ashcroft: relishing visit to Tynecastle.