Twin strike-force poses a real danger to Hibs

IAN PAUL

30 Oct 1993

NO-ONE is better versed to judge the capital derby than Gary Mackay, the midfield man who is a Tynecastle fan as well as one of their most committed servants for more than 13 years, and he will be surprised if Hearts' latest acquisition, Maurice Johnston, fails to make some kind of impact at Easter Road this afternoon.

The longest-serving player at Tynecastle is in the squad for the meeting with Hibs but it was not as a possible contributor that he spoke yesterday, more a close observer of the scene.

His view of the controvesial and mercurial striker who has been reintroduced to the Scottish game by manager Sandy Clark is unambiguous.

He believes the former Celtic and Rangers player, who spent most of the last year and half in the Everton reserves, will prove a great asset to the club.

Mackay, who has a record in derbies which might well be unique -- he has been on the losing side only three times in eleven years -- has been impressed by the state of readiness shown by Johnston.

"His fitness is incredible when you consider how many first-team games he has had in the past 18 months." he said.

"Of course, there is sharpness to come but he did not look far away from that against Thistle."

In training this week Mackay has had a close look at the former Scottish internationalist.

"His finishing is astonishing.

I always have thought that John Robertson is the best I have seen at forcing keepers into making saves but Mo is his match.

His shooting is crisp and accurate, always on target," he said.

That testament comes with rather neat timing as the two strikers, Johnston and Robertson, will team up for the first time at Easter Road.

However well they do this afternoon, the potential for some exciting penalty-box action is considerable but the service from midfield would have to improve a great deal on what was on offer against Thistle.

Robertson missed that game because of injury but is ready to take his place for a derby in which he has been by far the most influential player in the past five years.

In fact, Robertson made his return to Hearts a month or so before the New Year's Day game of 1989 which was the last time Hibs won this contest.

Clark pointed out that while the long, unbeaten track record of his club in this fixture "is incredible" it had not been mentioned in the dressing-room.

"I suppose that is because each derby is important in itself."

No less so for the other Edinburgh lot, of course, and, in fact, it could be said to be even more important for a club and support trying to put an end to a painful jinx.

Hibs have no injury problems, either, and will go into the game untroubled by the defeat in the League Cup final last Sunday.

Kilmarnock, who ended a fine run last week when they lost to Dundee at Dens Park, will need to get their act together again quickly if they are to prevent another reverse against Motherwell at Fir Park, especially as they lost at home to Tommy McLean's men back in August.

Raith Rovers will be tough opponents as Partick Thistle bid to maintain their good run of five successive games without defeat.

Thistle manager John Lambie has had to rule out defender Grant Tierney because of a virus while Ian Cameron is doubtful with a muscle injury.

He also has to check on the well-being of Gerry Britton, Albert Craig, and Willie Jamieson who have all been suffering from flu.

Dundee United's early promise has run into the buffers recently and Ivan Golac's men badly need a victory at home against St Johnstone.

Taken from the Herald