Edinburgh derby is full of Eastern promise McPherson is keen to maintain his fine record against Hibs

IAN PAUL

29 Oct 1994

WHILE Alan McLaren, who has made the Edinburgh-Glasgow career move that is familiar to Dave McPherson, makes his opening appearance for Rangers tomorrow, there will be nothing especially unusual for McPherson when he turns out for Hearts in their derby meeting with Hibernian at Easter Road 24 hours earlier.

Big Mac has been over the Edinburgh derby course 19 times so far and is a considerably better and more experienced player than when he had his initiation into the capital derby atmosphere six seasons ago.

McPherson, who made his first move from Rangers to Hearts in July, 1987, then used his return ticket to Ibrox in June, 1992, seems likely to have reached the end of his shuttle days now but, at 30, still has a lot to offer the Tynecastle club and, if McLaren inevitably will be missed, the Hearts fans will be happy if the partnership between McPherson and Craig Levein is as effective as it was.

The big centre half, who lost only three times in those 19 confrontations with Hibs, was full of anticipation when he looked to his derby restart.

"The way both teams have been playing it should be some game.

I played against Hibs with Rangers a few weeks ago and, although I had to come off at half-time, I saw enough to be impressed.

But Hearts' recent form could be considered the best in the league."

Indeed, that is a reasonable claim.

The Tynecastle side have recovered so well from a poor start to the season that they have won five of their last six games and now are within three points of the leaders.

But Hibs are in even better position, just two points behind Rangers, and could take over at the top with a win, even if it might be for only 24 hours.

Unlike Hibs, Hearts have no injury worries, but manager Tommy McLean has to decide whether or not to stick with the formation of last week, which worked well in the defeat of Aberdeen, or change tactics by bringing in another front man, John Colquhoun.

One man who will play is Jim Bett, who has just signed an extension of three months to his monthly contract and, all being well, soon will discuss a more permanent arrangement.

Hibs have major worries.

With Graeme Mitchell and Keith Wright still out, they could be without Darren Jackson and Gordon Hunter and, compounding manager Alex Miller's problems, the two likely deputies, Dave Beaumont and Kevin McAllister, also are doubtful.

Hibs ended their long-running losing derby spell at Tynecastle last time and would like to win their first home match between the sides in six years.

Dundee United manager Ivan Golac yesterday praised the team he hopes to beat today, Aberdeen, for standing by their manager, Willie Miller.

"Any manager needs four or five years to get his own team shaped, and I admire Aberdeen as a team and a club for the way they are doing things."

He would still celebrate tonight if his lads beat them, of course, and at Pittodrie, United have a good record in these meetings.

Added to the pool are Craig Brewster and Jim McInally.

United have agreed to play against Partizan Belgrade, Golac's old club, on November 15 in Belgrade as a consequence of FIFA's removal of the sporting sanctions against Serbia.

They will be in exalted company as world champions Brazil meet Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) 24 hours later.

"It is a great honour for our club to be part of this celebration."

Aberdeen's latest signing, John Inglis, who cost £400,000 from St Johnstone, will be keen to beat United, the club who freed him as a 16-year-old.

"I was in tears when Jim McLean told me I was being released." he said.

"No explanation was given, but then he is not the type of man ever to justify his actions."

Inglis looks certain to replace David Winnie as Aberdeen try for their second league win.

Manager Miller is upset at what he sees as a campaign to undermine his authority.

Responding to allegations that he bullies his players, Miller said: "There are always going to be mischief-makers at a time like this.

As far as I am concerned spirit within the dressing room is fine.

I have never seen or heard any of the players say anything to the contrary."

Aberdeen have injury problems.

Ray McKinnon, taken off in the Coca-Cola Cup semi-final defeat by Celtic, looks certain to miss out, while winger Joe Miller and defender Brian Irvine also will be missing.

Kilmarnock, boosted by their recent win over Partick Thistle, will make sure Motherwell do not get complacent after their win over Rangers, but will still be without Ray Montgomerie and Robert Connor.

Manager Alex Totten will probably bring back fit-again keeper Bobby Geddes, whose experience could be important.

Motherwell, who are interested in two Dutchmen, Orlando Trustful, of Feyenoord, and John Veldman, of Sparta Rotterdam, have no injury worries and, like Hibs, know that three points could take them to the top of the premier division.

Partick Thistle will be missing the suspended Chic Charnley and Albert Craig, but Derek McWilliams and Alex Taylor have a chance of being fit to play against Falkirk at Firhill.

Manager John Lambie brings in 17-year-old Irishman Donal Gray, signed from Portadown, to the squad.

Falkirk are without suspended Steve Fulton, but beat Celtic in his absence last week.

Joe McLaughlin has recovered from an injury and Greg Shaw is added to the pool.

Taken from the Herald