DERBY VIDEO NASTY PROVED TO BE MAKING OF ME

PAUL HARTLEY revealed last night how a dismal derby debut for Hearts and the subsequent trial by TV three years ago saved his Tynecastle career.

The Scotland star had played just once for the Jambos before having a howler against his former club and admits he was slaughtered by then boss Craig Levein, who watched a video of the game on the Monday.

Hartley was dropped for his side's next four matches but insists he learned a valuable lesson that day in August 2003 when Hibs took all three points through a last-minute Garry O'Connor strike.

Hartley said: "I didn't play well that day and the manager let me know in no uncertain terms.

"We did a thing called video analysis every Monday when Craig was at the club and he pointed out a few home truths.

"I didn't play for five weeks after that but it was the making of me as a player. I took on board everything that was said - especially the stuff concerning my work ethic.

"The trial by TV was a nightmare as you'd sit all weekend panicking that your performance would be slaughtered.

"Hearts still do trial by TV but it's not as intense as it was when Craig was the manager."

Hartley will be up against Scott Brown tomorrow and the pair have enjoyed more than their fair share of on-field bust-ups in recent seasons.

Brown infamously blew Hartley a kiss during a defeat for the Jambos at Easter Road last season but the Hearts man insists the pair are now best mates.

He said: "I got to know Scott well this past week while on Scotland duty and he's a nice lad.

"We've had a few run-ins in the past and we will again on Sunday but this time we'll laugh about it afterwards.

"Scott's a winner like me and I was raging after he blew me a kiss last season but you have to learn to laugh about these things.

"Over the last 10 days we've had a few conversations about games we've played in against each other.

"I went easy on Scott and didn't mention last season's Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden. That would have been unfair because he didn't play that day."

The Jambos haven't won at Easter Road since November 2002 when Phil Stamp's injury-time goal gave them a 2-1 victory. Hartley knows that record has to change.

He said: "Hearts don't have a great record at Easter Road in my four years at the club and hopefully we can put that right on Sunday and end the drought.

"It's always a difficult game going there. Hibs are a good team at home and they have some fine players.

"The games there for Hearts last season were definite low points and the players want to win at Easter Road for the fans so they can enjoy the bragging rights in the city.

"Nobody at the club can put their finger on the reason why we have not performed at Easter Road in recent seasons but we are all desperate to make sure we start delivering the goods."

Hartley even had time to joke about the Hibs supporters who reserve special treatment for him and can be heard singing unkind songs questioning his sexuality during derby games.

He said: "The Hibs fans have a few songs about me at Easter Road. I won't mention them but we all know what they are.

"I denied I was gay the last time I was asked and I am still denying it so there's no change there.

"It can be quite intimidating at Easter Road - particularly as regards the crowd that sit across from the main stand.

"It will be a tough game and I'm sure the Hibs fans will give me loads of stick."

Hartley also believes that Hibs will not be too bothered despite the shock of losing their manager to West Bromwich Albion yesterday. He insists Tony Mowbray's exit will have no bearing on the outcome of the game.

The Jambos parted company with two bosses themselves last season and threatened to implode at various stages only to hold their nerve when it mattered most to seal second place and a Champions League qualifying spot.

Four different men took charge of Hearts' Edinburgh derbies last season - George Burley, Graham Rix, John McGlynn and Valdas Ivanauskas.

However, Hartley reckons the players' concentration never wavered from the job in hand.

He said: "Tony was a very popular manager and it is part and parcel of football when you lose a manger. You just get on with things.

"Once the team crosses the white line we will all be doing our utmost to win the derby.

"The Hibs players will all be desperate to win as well for their own pride and the supporters.

"They'll miss Tony but it will not have any great affect on them come Sunday.

"The Hibs players will be looking to do their best and impress their new manager, whoever that may be, as he might be in the stands watching.

"I don't think his loss will affect them too much for this one."

Taken from the Daily Record