Dan's the man

18.11.2012

Hearts defender Danny Grainger was the hero once more as his free-kick proved to be the decisive goal in yesterday's 1-0 win over St Mirren at a sold-out Tynecastle.

Backed by one of the largest home crowds in years, the financially-stricken Jam Tarts gave the Maroon faithful something to cheer about with a hard-fought win and a well-earned three points.

Sporting a striking Movember moustache, a jubilant Danny chatted happily to the press after the match, and revealed he and his team-mates wanted to prove just how much they cared about the future of Heart of Midlothian.

"The boys just want to do as much as they can whenever they play to show we're at Hearts for a reason. We wanted to show in this game it means more to us than just walking out onto the pitch. It's a big thing to us to play for a club like Hearts."

As well as praising his team-mates, Danny also revealed his admiration for the magnificent role that the supporters of the club had played in buying Hearts the necessary breathing space to allow the HMRC tax bill to be paid.

"We appreciate what the supporters have done for the football club. As players we've deferred our wages but the fans have really dug deep. We had kids handing in their piggy banks earlier in the week.

"Things like that have brought us all closer together because we know what this club means to people. It's amazing to see what's gone on to help keep this club alive."

"When the statement came out it came as a bit of a shock", continued Danny. "When you sign for Hearts you know the club isn't in a great financial way.

"At the moment things can't change as rapidly as we'd hope them to, but we needed to stick together and that's what we've done."

After taking the entire campaign to score for Hearts last season - albeit in some style in the 5-1 demolition of Hibs in the Scottish Cup Final - Danny has started to find the net more regularly this season, and reserved a special celebration for his number one fan.

"When the ball went in I headed straight for my family who were at the game. They come up from England to watch me so it was nice to score in front of them.

"It's the first time my wee boy, Oliver, has seen his daddy score a goal. That's why I celebrated by sticking my thumb in my mouth. If it's good enough for Leo Messi to do, then it's good enough for me!"

Hearts World