Defender hopes beating Hearts remains a prospect for Edinburgh side

Derek Miller

THERE will be few within Easter Road tomorrow that will harbour much sympathy for Hearts.

The situation which has enveloped Tynecastle is grave, which is perhaps an unfortunate choice of words given that the ground would seem in danger of becoming a tomb following a winding-up order from HMRC and an outstanding tax bill that is six-figures long.

Yet any revelry in a rivals' distress can only be enjoyed so long as that rival exists. The taunting sounds hollow when it is directed at an empty stadium with nobody there to hear it.

That was touched upon yesterday by Alan Maybury, the Hibernian defender who formerly played with Hearts. With the Old Firm derby already a notable absence form Scottish football's fixture calendar, Maybury does not wish to see another iconic derby fall by the wayside.

The visit of Dundee United will be foremost in his mind tomorrow – especially as Hibs endeavour to remain in touch with Celtic at the top of the table – but the defender took a wider look at Scottish football this week.

"Of course we want [Hearts] to be around. The Edinburgh derby is the biggest game in Scotland now – although I'm sure the Dundee clubs would have something to say about that," he said. "It's a big game and people want to see it, so it's important for Scottish football [that] it stays.

"We had a situation with Rangers last season where everything just dragged on and on and it created instability. We've just come through that, we don't need to go through it again.

"The derby is good for the city and if we're competing at the right end of the table as well, then it's much better for everyone. Scottish football needs it, the league needs it and the city needs it so, hopefully, it's not as bad as has been reported."

United can content themselves with more prosaic matters and they will feel entitled given they have just come through their own trauma. A run of torrid form had sent the Tannadice side spiralling down the table but a midweek win at Motherwell has left them emboldened ahead of the trip to Easter Road tomorrow.

"I have played a few times at Easter Road and have a decent record," said Brian McLean, the United defender, who was restored to the starting line up at Fir Park. "The last time I was there I won 2-0 with Motherwell. More of the same would do this weekend."

Brian McLean insists Peter Houston was right to move Jon Daly back into defence before him - but hopes to show he's the man to help them shut out the opposition now that he's back in favour.

Striker Daly answered an SOS call from United boss Houston recently to stop them shipping goals which denied summer signing McLean a place in defence and the chance to show what he can do following his switch from English outfit Preston.

Former Rangers, Motherwell and Falkirk stopper McLean has had a slow start to his Tannadice career but came back into the Tangerines rearguard for their midweek SPL win away to rivals 'Well and never put a foot wrong.

The big centre-half, who shone while taking the place of injured full-back Barry Douglas, is now itching to stake his claim for a regular starting slot ahead of tomorrow's Capital showdown with high-flying Hibs and become a mainstay for the on-form Arabs.

McLean said: "It was frustrating to be out of the team and to see a striker play at the back.

"But it was done for the good of the team so I have no complaints.

"I'm just in the door and desperate to play but it's up to the manager to make these decisions.

"It was the right decision. It worked because it brought some stability back and we have picked up points.

"I got back in against Motherwell and I'm looking to stay there.

"You don't ever want to see your team-mates get injured but football is about taking your chances when they come along.

"When you're in the starting 11 you have the jersey so hopefully I've done enough to convince the manager I should stay there.

"I was happy with the way I played against Motherwell and it's always nice to go back to your old team and win.

"We have been working hard on our shape in recent weeks and you can see the benefits of that."

Taken from the Scotsman