ANDY SILENCES FANS’ JEERS AND EARNS NEILSON SALUTE
ROBBIE NEILSON saluted two-goal hero Andy Halliday after he silenced Hibs fans in yesterday’s Edinburgh derby win at Tynecastle.
The former Rangers midfielder cancelled out Drey Wright’s early opener for the visitors just before half-time.
Stephen Kingsley put the Gorgie side ahead immediately after the restart before Halliday scored to make it 3-1 and seal the win.
The 30-year-old, who was part of the Rangers side defeated by Hibs in the 2016 Scottish final when they finally won the trophy after 114 years, was taunted by the away support.
But he had the last laugh with his two goals as Hearts secured third spot in the Premiership and guaranteed European football next season.
‘Andy plays his best when he is under pressure, getting stick from the opposition because he can handle it and thrives off it,’ said Neilson.
‘Andy, when we had the season with no fans, didn’t like it because he needs that, so what he does is he takes the ball and tries things.
‘He’ll give it away like we all do but he’ll keep getting on the ball. I’m delighted for him because it has been a good performance.’
Halliday revelled in the hostile derby atmosphere was delighted to help consign Hibs to the bottom six in the league.
‘I get a bit of stick everywhere I go unfortunately,’ said Halliday, who was subbed after his second goal with a slight knock to his Achilles. ‘Listen, it’s all part of the game.
‘It’s obviously a big game and I have always been a football player who enjoys it, I’m sure everyone is the same.
‘You’ll reflect on your career and look back on days like this and games like this, it’s a real privilege. But it was about us getting the job
done on the day. I think it is important over the next 48 hours we reflect on how far we have come as a playing squad and a football club.
‘But come Monday, we will regain our focus, we have a massive game next week.
‘The stick is part and parcel of football in derby games — it doesn’t bother me at all, it’s all in good jest. Thankfully, I managed to come out with the bragging rights after it.’
Neilson urged Hearts to make sure they complete the double over their city rivals in Saturday’s Scottish Cup semi-final and take their season to a new level of success.
‘The derby can be difficult,’ said the Hearts manager. ‘I don’t think there has ever been a back-to-back derby game like this.
‘The biggest focus for us has always been the Scottish Cup match but what the key had to be was to make sure the players’ focus was on this one.
‘Today, ten per cent of the job is done. The other 90 per cent is still to come. The Scottish Cup allows us to get to a final, win a derby and guarantee European group stage football. So that game’s massive.
‘I’m pleased. I think it has been a decent season but it has the potential to be a great season if we can win next week.’
Neilson also tipped Barrie McKay to be selected for the Scotland squad when they resume international fixtures in June. Steve Clarke’s men are due to face Ukraine in their World Cup playoff semi-final and
Nations League matches.
The winger, who signed a new deal this week until 2025, impressed again yesterday.
Neilson said: ‘Barrie is a top player.
‘I would like to think he would be around the Scotland squad for the June games.
‘They are going to take a bigger squad and I would like to think Barrie should be round about it.’