HAMILL LOST OUT TO BLACK

Hearts full-back Jamie Hamill has revealed he lost out on penalty duties during the Edinburgh derby because team-mate Ian Black had a celebratory message lined up.

Black missed the chance to put Hearts ahead just before half-time when his penalty was pushed away by Hibernian goalkeeper Graham Stack.

However, Hearts went on to win 3-1 and the midfielder displayed a T-shirt bearing the message 'I'll paint this place maroon' - a reference to his recent part-time work as a painter and decorator to help him through a series of wage delays.

Hamill has scored two penalties since joining Hearts from Kilmarnock, where he converted seven spot-kicks last season, but his team have now missed their last two - Eggert Jonsson also saw his effort saved by Celtic goalkeeper Fraser Forster last month.

Hamill told Hearts TV: "When we got the penalty me and Blackie both wanted to take it.

"But he said he had a wee mention on his T-shirt and if he scored he was going to show it off.

"Unfortunately he missed the penalty but luckily for us we managed to win the game so it didn't make a difference in the end.

"He just wanted to hit it on Sunday. Next week if we get a penalty I'll be willing to take it."

Hearts eventually took the lead when Ryan McGowan bundled the ball home from close range. Hibs levelled within 60 seconds when Marius Zaliukas put through his own net but late goals from Andy Webster and Rudi Skacel sent Hearts up to fourth place in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

Hamill said: "The fans were second to none. When we scored the own goal they really pushed us on.

"It was a great team performance and to see Rudi come off the bench and score was great. He just keeps scoring every time he plays."

McGowan was overjoyed with his first Hearts goal.

He told Hearts TV: "It was just unbelievable. To win at Easter Road is a special thing, but to get on the scoresheet with such a screamer is just even better.

"I can't think of a better way to score my first goal."

McGowan had earlier clashed with Ivan Sproule, the Hibs winger going down after the Hearts full-back made contact with him while standing up following a challenge.

The versatile Australian added: "He just made a meal of it to be honest. He fouled me."

Hearts now host Auchinleck Talbot in the William Hill Scottish Cup fourth round on Saturday, and Ayrshire-born Hamill for one will not take the junior side lightly.

"It's going to be a tough game," Hamill said. "I have been to watch them a few times.

"I go to see Irvine Meadow against Talbot and it's usually a feisty game."

Hamill hopes to be fit for the match after brushing off an ankle problem to feature at Easter Road.

"I'm still struggling a wee bit but hopefully through the week I can rest it and get some ice on it and put the foot up and play at the weekend," the 25-year-old said. "The physios did a really good job to get me ready for the derby game."

Hearts also face a challenge off the park this week with an SPL sub-committee due to meet tomorrow to discuss a complaint over wage delays, which was made by PFA Scotland on behalf of the players.

First-team players are awaiting wages due on December 16 after major delays with their two previous monthly payments.

Manager

Paulo Sergio has warned of a hard month ahead as Hearts look to balance the books by selling players on. Jonsson has already been sold to Wolves while Ryan Stevenson has withdrawn his services in protest at the wage situation.

Taken from sportinglife.com