Momentum with Hearts as derby day hostilities resume

David Templeton is determined to make it another New Year party for Hearts fans after savouring the atmosphere of last year's Edinburgh derby win over Hibs.

The 22-year-old had been substituted by the time Kevin Kyle's late header won the January 1 fixture at Tynecastle but, having not lost a Hearts v Hibs match since breaking into the first team in May 2009, the winger is keen to continue that run this afternoon.

The former Stenhousemuir youngster, who scored one of the most memorable recent derby goals – in a 2-0 victory at Easter Road last season – said: "It's a massive game. We know what it means to everyone involved, but especially the fans, and I'm sure we'll put on a good performance and everyone will be pleased.

"I really like it [at Easter Road]. It's good when the Hearts fans are there – the support is always great and it makes it a special atmosphere. I really enjoy playing there.

"Hopefully we'll get another good result because every time I've been there we've always had one."

Templeton says the whole Hearts squad expectantly look to the fixture list for the next derby, and that the team will be 'buzzing'.

"Everyone has been looking forward to it ever since the last one. Everyone will be buzzing for it.

"Last season, everyone was really up for it. You could tell that when we scored the goal. The way the crowd were, everything just went through the roof. Hopefully we can do that again and get the fans partying like last year. The away fans last season were brilliant when we went to Easter Road and I'm positive they will be the same again, as they always are when we go there."

After registering just one win in seven games following the emergence of the club's problems in paying the players' wages, Hearts have negotiated the last three games undefeated.

Four goals against Dunfermline and two against third-placed rivals Motherwell showed an ability to be clinical in front of goal, but the turnaround has been based on a return to the defensive solidity that was a feature of the side last term.

Templeton knows another strong rearguard action today will enhance Paulo Sergio's team's chances of another derby success.

He added: "We've got a really good defensive record. The defence is doing really well. Obviously, everyone is pitching in to help that performance and hopefully that can continue."

In line for his first derby start, Hearts' Australian left-back Ryan McGowan insists his side have the quality to heap the pressure on their struggling city rivals.

The Easter Road team are a single point above bottom-placed Dunfermline, with manager Pat Fenlon still seeking his first win.

The Irishman will have to buck the trend of recent seasons, with Hearts having emerged undefeated from the last eight capital fixtures and having enjoyed five victories in that sequence, including two at Easter Road.

McGowan, who has earned a consistent run in the team at left-back in place of the injured Danny Grainger, dismisses suggestions Hibs will be more dangerous opponents because of their lowly league position.

He said: "I think there's a bit more pressure on them.We've been playing well and we know if we play well we will be a match for anyone.

"We we are not too bothered what they do or if they are worried. All we need to do is make sure we get the three points.

"It would be amazing if we could get an early goal. But I think we also know that if we do go behind then we've got the players to hurt them in the attacking third.

"If we keep playing the way we have been in the last couple of weeks, then hopefully we'll get the win."

With McGowan part of a miserly defence that has secured three successive clean sheets, he knows another stubborn rearguard action will be the basis of another positive result.

Sergio has demanded his players maintain their discipline in the heat of the action so that they can stick to their game plan.

But McGowan, who has spent recent Easter Road derbies among the Hearts support, insists there is a fine balance to be struck.

He said: "I'm really looking forward to the game. If we don't concede we won't lose. If we keep a clean sheet I'm sure our midfielders and forwards will be able to get on the scoresheet and hopefully we can get a few goals and beat them.

"We have to keep our discipline but also it's a derby, so you have to make sure you are winning your battles and make sure everyone is up for it – because we can't lose."

Taken from the Herald