Now Jamieson pursues first derby victory

JIM REYNOLDS

16 Jan 1995

WILLIE Jamieson, whose first goal for Hearts wrapped up the points against sad Dundee United at Tynecastle at the weekend, revealed afterwards that the shadow of suspended Craig Levein could be one of the reasons for his outstanding form since joining the club from Partick Thistle last month.

Levein has now completed a 10-match SFA ban, and while he may not have the necessary fitness for Wednesday's derby match against Hibernian, Jamieson is all too aware that his own first-team days could be numbered if his form dips.

Hearts never looked in any kind of trouble against United, but only a headed goal by John Millar, seconds before half-time, separated the sides until Jamieson came charging forward to head the second, following a free kick from Colin Miller, after 73 minutes.

That, added to some solid defending, put him just a shade behind man-of-the-match Stephen Frail, but Jamieson realises he cannot afford to sit back and savour such performances.

"I've got the threat of Craig Levein hanging over me," he said.

"When I was with Partick Thistle earlier this season, I was probably showing my worst form since joining them.

Ironically, I got a move to Hearts and things have taken off for me.

"I'm under no illusions, however.

It's up to me to show the manager that I deserve to keep my place, and I would dearly love to play against Hibs."

Jamieson, of course, began his senior career with the Easter Road club, before moving to Hamilton and then Partick Thistle.

The 31-year-old revealed: "In all my time at Easter Road I never played in a winning side in the Edinburgh derby.

Now I may get the chance to put that right."

Jamieson played for Hibs against Hearts seven times, suffering two defeats and playing in five drawn matches.

But if Hearts fans think he could be a bit of a jinx, then they can relax, for Jamieson can also point out that he has never played in a losing side at Tynecastle in the derby match.

Hearts have injury problems for Wednesday.

Neil Berry, Scott Leitch, and Kevin Thomas all face fitness tests, and John Colquhoun, a substitute at the weekend, could not have played, even if he had been needed.

He overstretched during the pre-match warm-up and had to have pain-killing injections at half-time.

Dundee United's problem was there for all to see on Saturday, and unless they can find a fighting quality, the threat of relegation will remain.

Said coach Paul Hegarty: "The players must look closely at themselves.

They must show much more commitment."

Taken from the Herald