Hearts boss saltues derby heroes

Published Date: 03 May 2010
By BARRY ANDERSON
JIM JEFFERIES today saluted the Hearts players for remaining undefeated against Hibs this season, adding that he fully intends them to stride ahead of their greatest rivals next year.
Saturday's 2-1 victory at Easter Road, secured through Suso and a late David Obua winner, brought Jefferies a second derby win since returning to Tynecastle in January.

Added to two draws under Csaba Laszlo earlier in the campaign, it brought much satisfaction for Jefferies and the Hearts support whilst maintaining the club's European aspirations.

Hearts are just three points behind Hibs with two matches of the SPL season remaining, and may consider that they now harbour a psychological edge in the race for the Europa League given both their fixtures are at home, while their Edinburgh rivals travel to Motherwell and Dundee United.

"Hibs have had a good season, yet we've played them four times and they haven't beaten us.

"That in itself is a great achievement," said Jefferies.

"Hibs had a great start to the campaign, we had a lot of injuries, a change of manager and a change in the way we go about things.

"So the players have had to adapt to all that. To enter the last two games with only three points between the teams is an achievement and a lot to be satisfied with.

"As I've said, we shouldn't be fighting for that side of things. Next year, we hope to be challenging at the top end of the table. I feel they showed on Saturday they have a bit of something about them.

"It was a lot more satisfying than the previous week against Motherwell. It shows what they are really capable of and it's like night and day. We showed passion and character in abundance.

"We were unlucky to go 1-0 behind and the first goal is normally crucial. We weren't happy with the manner in which the penalty was given.

"But all credit to the players for not letting it affect them.

"We wanted to win the game. I took a little bit of a gamble after they scored and went 4-2-4, but it paid off for us.

"I said to the players they could win on Saturday and Hibs would still be favourites for Europe.

"What we've done by winning is giving ourselves the satisfaction of beating Hibs if we don't make it to Europe."

Taken from the Scotsman