We can't get carried away

DAVID HARDIE

GARRY O’CONNOR today fired a warning to Hibs fans already rubbing their hands at the tantalising prospect of claiming a massive 12-point lead over arch-rivals Hearts in Sunday’s derby - don’t take anything for granted.

While confident Hibs can emerge from the Easter Road clash with another three points secured, O’Connor is veteran enough - even at the age of just 21 - of such occasions to realise the outcome can never be predicted.

Sunday’s match has become the most-anticipated derby in years as far as Hibs fans, buoyed by the scintillating performances their side have produced under new boss Tony Mowbray, are concerned.

All tickets for what will be the first New Year derby in Leith for seven years have been sold, ensuring a white-hot atmosphere as some 17,400 fans roar on their respective sides.

After seeing Mowbray’s young side open up a nine-point lead over their rivals with a 4-1 win against Dundee United at Tannadice yesterday, Hibs fans are scenting another victory to widen that gap even further.

O’Connor, though, realises things often never go to plan in football although confidence at Easter Road is high after a run of five wins in six games which has seen Hibs overhaul Aberdeen to sit third in the SPL table going into the derby.

The gap is such that Hearts can’t leapfrog Hibs no matter Sunday’s outcome, but O’Connor admitted he and his team-mates are confident of extending their lead.

He said: "The way we are playing at the moment I feel we can beat Hearts at Easter Road. Hearts will try to make it difficult for us but if we can get the ball down and pass it, get the fans behind us then I think we can win. But it is a derby and you can never predict what is going to happen in this game.

"We are looking forward to it and hoping to get the win for our fans but we also know that Hearts will also be right up for the game.

"The fact we have the chance to go 12 points ahead will, I believe, act as big an incentive to them as to us. As much as we would love to win and widen that gap, Hearts obviously don’t want that to happen.

"It’s John Robertson’s first derby in charge of Hearts and he’ll have them fired up for the game and we know they are a decent, decent side although we feel we can win."

Hibs boss Mowbray, meanwhile ruled out a move for 21-year-old Newcastle United defender Peter Ramage.

Addressing claims he was interested in bringing Ramage to Easter Road, Mowbray said: "We have looked at lots of players. We watch a lot of games down south and are aware of a lot of young players that might be of benefit to our club but I don’t think anything will be happening in that direction."


Taken from the Scotsman