The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Levein: local lads know what’s required in derby
“Hearts-minded players” will be key to beating Hibs
Hearts manager Craig Levein will be relying on his home-grown players to show what it means to play in an Edinburgh derby.
The Jambos make the short trip to Easter Road tonight to play Hibernian in the first league derby between the sides since 2015.
Hearts are without a win against their big rivals in any competition for three years, and Levein – who has enjoyed success both as a player and a manager in this fixture – says his local boys will be well up for the challenge of ending that run.
“We have the benefit of having some Hearts-minded players in the team which I think helps,” he explained.
“They will be able to let the rest of the players know just how important this is.”
He added: “We’ve talked a bit about the game and what we will need to do to be successful.
“Ross (Callachan) will help with his energy, enthusiasm and determination, Christophe (Berra) as well, and Jamie Walker is a big Hearts supporter. There’s players in there who understand the game and what’s required.”
Levein, who took charge at Tynecastle in September following a turbulent period under Ian Cathro, has lost just six times in 50 derby matches as a player and during his first spell as manager of the club.
He relishes the meetings, but admits he is happy to win ‘ugly’ to claim three points.
“I loved this fixture as a player and as a manager,” he said. “It was one of the big moments that I used to look at the calendar and look for when they were coming. It will be a big day for us.”
He added: “The last few derbies haven’t been particularly good. It’s been painful to watch at times and you can probably count on one hand the amount of good games there have been, but that’s not what it’s about – it’s about winning.
Meanwhile Hearts’ move back to Tynecastle has again been put back to allow more time to test the new facilities.
The Jambos planned to unveil their newly-built £12 million main stand against Kilmarnock on November 5, but have announced a minor delay.
They were initially meant to move back home in time to host Aberdeen on September 9. But a failure to order seats in time saw them adopt BT Murrayfield as their temporary home and they will now play a fourth game at the home of Scottish rugby.
Hibs midfielder John McGinn meanwhile reckons Hearts will not be relishing a trip to Easter Road as he aims to continue the Jambos’ “horrible” derby run.
Hibs are unbeaten in seven Edinburgh derbies and McGinn has helped his side knock Hearts out of the William Hill Scottish Cup in each of the last two seasons.
“To go from a semi-final straight to an Edinburgh derby, there is nothing better,” the former St Mirren player said.
“We are going to try to take the positives from Saturday and I don’t think Hearts will be looking forward to playing us.”
Hearts star Don Cowie is likely to miss the game with a calf complaint, while Hibs have doubts over Danny Swanson and Anthony Stokes.