Ryan's derby rage

By ROBERT MARTIN

Published: Today
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RYAN McGOWAN last night accused Ivan Sproule of trying to land him in trouble with the SFA.

The Hearts defender faces a rap for his clash with the Hibs winger in Monday's derby.

McGowan was not punished by ref Callum Murray despite leaning into Sproule with his head but SunSport understands compliance officer Vincent Lunny will look at the incident when he returns to Hampden this morning.

That could lead to the 22-year-old being issued with a notice of complaint, but McGowan insists Sproule made the most of the confrontation.

He said: "He just fouled me and, to be honest, you can't just stand straight up when you get up from the ground.

"I've come up and I was going to go towards him but he's gone towards me.

"It's more just him walking towards me and me trying to get up. He's just made a meal of it, to be honest."

McGowan earlier nodded Hearts ahead in their 3-1 win with the first goal of his Tynecastle career.

He revealed he's been bombarded with messages from back home in Australia congratulating him on his strike.

He said: "I've been in the crowd a couple of times at Easter Road and I know how much the fans love it.

"My phone was red hot with people from back home and friends and family over here. I can't think of a better way to score my first goal.

"It was probably going in, but I was making sure I was getting my head to it and then afterwards it was just unbelievable.

"I can't explain it and it is something that will stay with me forever."

Meanwhile, the SPL will meet today to decide what action Hearts are to face for failing to pay their players on time.

The Tynecastle squad are still waiting on their salaries for December after being forced to wait for the previous two months' money because of financial worries at the Gorgie outfit.

Owner Vladimir Romanov has put the club up for sale after declaring he has lost interest in football.