Master occasion as well as the opposition, Mowbray tells Hibs

ALTHOUGH it hardly requires any extra edge, the changing dynamic in the SPL of late has lent today's match at Tynecastle a further bolt of electricity. With Celtic now ten points clear of Hearts at the top of the league, it is the battle for the remaining Champions League spot which holds a charge.

Although Tony Mowbray prefers not to see today's Edinburgh derby as a Champions League showdown, particularly with Rangers and Kilmarnock beating an ominous path behind, this rather unique billing for Hearts v Hibs fixture cannot be completely dismissed. Should Hibs taste victory it would bring them to within three points of their great rivals in second place, a scenario which deposits Hibs in a more acceptable situation than where they stood at full-time on the second weekend of the season. Back then there was a definite whiff of anxiety as Hibs exited Tynecastle after a 4-0 defeat. It left the Easter Road side trailing Hearts by five points after just two matches.

Since then Hibs have exceeded expectations with an impressively dogged pursuit of their initially rampant rivals.

Providing an extra dimension to Hibs' delight should a win be achieved today is the additional knowledge that the last derby of the season will be staged at Easter Road. However, Mowbray has again wondered why Hibs had been asked to play twice at Tynecastle before the split for a second successive season. "I am slightly surprised we find ourselves back at Tynecastle for a second time," he said yesterday. "I think there is a possible psychological edge to have home advantage twice going into the split."

Mowbray is becoming a master at thinking out loud while at the same time making a valid point. He was firm in his denial that he was a rebel in the wake of the recent touchline ban farce, two-thirds of which he had annulled on Thursday. However, he knows how to express dissatisfaction, if in a way which never sounds strident.

"I don't want to make a point of it," he said, before making a point of it, though his argument did seem based on sound reason. "The fixture list this year for a few teams has been pretty poor. Issues like why were our games against the Old Firm not reversed? Why are we again playing Rangers away twice and Celtic at home twice. That seems to me to be basic."

Hibs have managed to stay in touch with their rivals due to a period when Hearts' form faded, although their own ability to gain results has also recently deserted them. The Easter Road side has not won away from home for three months. But Mowbray puffs out his chest when considering Hibs' achievements this season in comparison to a more exalted Hearts side.

"The game is a chance to close the gap down to three points," said Mowbray. "That would be some achievement after 24 games - to be three points adrift of them with the resources that they have got, the players they have brought in this year and the excitement they created at the start of the season."

Mowbray acknowledges the spine which runs through the centre of the Hearts team remains able to direct the workings of an outfit which, while less oiled, can still produce echoes of earlier displays. The first half against Celtic on New Year's Day is one example, although not that Mowbray would know. He claims not to have watched Hearts since his side defeated a manager-less Tynecastle team 2-0 back in October. Much has occurred since then, including the dramatic blood-letting that occurred in the aftermath of that derby. It is why Hibs officials will today be greeted by a different chief-executive at the gates of Tynecastle. It also means there will be an absence of fireworks prior to kick-off, although the scheduled minute's applause in memory of former Hearts chairman Wallace Mercer is likely to further rouse a crowd already trembling with anticipation.

"Tynecastle's a difficult place to go," observed Mowbray. "The stands are right on top of the pitch and it is an intimidating atmosphere. It gives a perception of the pitch as tight, and that hinders our brand of football. It's difficult to play an open, expansive game. You have to play the opposition but you have to play the day, and the atmosphere, as well. "

Although he won't be drawn on Hibs' own ambitions for the season, he does not consider a victory for his side as striking a decisive blow to Hearts' championship hopes. Or anyone else's, for that matter.

"I think that whilst Celtic have shown decent consistency in the league they have also shown they are capable of the other side of the coin, such as the Clyde performance," he said. "It shows that a performance like that is within them."

As for Hibs, he said: "We have to make sure we win a few games quickly to make sure we finish in the top six."

It's fair to say victory today would not be treated by Hibs fans as another step towards this rather humdrum aim. Rather, it will be celebrated for its own merits.

Taken from the Scotsman