The Scotsman

Shaw back at scene of derby ‘ghost goal’ hoping for better refs

- By ANDY NEWPORT

Oli Shaw hopes the match officials will be on the ball when Scotland Under-21s clash with Andorra as he returns to Tynecastle for the first time since his “ghost goal” against Hearts.

The young Hibernian frontman thought he had marked his Edinburgh derby debut last December with an early opener. But referee Steven Mclean refused to sanction his strike after it bounced down off Hearts goalkeeper Jon Mclaughlin’s crossbar and over the line before spinning back out.

The decision left Easter Road boss Neil Lennon furious, with the Northern Irishman saying after the game: “It was a disgrace. It was daylight over the line. Everyone could see it.”

But as he returns to the scene of the crime for the first time, 20-year-old Shaw can finally see the funny side as he pleaded for the officials in charge of tonight’s showdown with minnows Andorra to keep their eyes peeled.

“The last time I played at Tynecastle was the time my goal got disallowed,” Shaw said.

“I just hope the linesmen are on their game this time. It was one of those moments where I felt it crossed the line – in fact we all know it crossed the line – and I went away celebratin­g with a few boys. I turned around and it had been disallowed.

“I was just so disappoint­ed as

0 Oli Shaw: First under-21 cap.

it was my first derby start and would have been my first derby goal.

“I just have to accept that the lino didn’t have a clear view of it, he didn’t see it properly and that’s fair dos, I just have to get on with it and move on. Hopefully it doesn’t happen this time.”

Shaw hopes to make a major impact on what could be his under-21s debut.

He said: “It’s been a proud moment for me getting my first call up.

“I’ve worked hard through pre-season to get to this point so I’m obviously delighted to now get my chance. Hopefully it can be a big week for me.”

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