That's entertainment

Gary Locke knows that entertainment hasn't been prevalent in this season's Edinburgh derbies, but he doesn't care if it's missing again on Sunday as long as Hearts get a win.

All three previous SPL derbies have finished draws this year, and while the gaffer insists that the players give it their all to entertain, he'll happily take a scrappy win over rivals Hibs.

Speaking to the press at this morning's pre-match press conference, Gary said: "For me it's all about trying to win the game. If we do it by playing great football, then great. If we do it by a scrappy 1-0 win then so be it.

"The main thing in any derby, anywhere in the world, is that you try and win it. Both sets of players always go out to entertain but the games this season haven't been great spectacles. But that's derbies.

"They're the same all over the world, you don't see many really good ones in terms of getting the ball down and getting to move it quickly. Players do close each other down that little bit quicker."

Both Danny Wilson and Michael Ngoo missed out on the Jambos' superb 3-0 over St Mirren last Saturday and Gary is hopeful that both will feature this weekend.

"We're hoping that Danny and Michael will train at some point this week," he said. "Danny's a wee bit different in that he's got a thigh problem. It's one of those that if you push him too early then it could go again. It's one we'll have to keep an eye on.

"Michael's is slightly different so we're hopeful that they'll both train before the end of the week. If they do then they'll both be in contention for the weekend."

With the focus again being on the club's talented youngsters, Gary recalled when he made his Edinburgh derby debut at the tender age of 18, and assured supporters that he has no qualms about flinging them into a potentially feisty game.

"It was great," he revealed. "The game kind of passed me by a wee bit. Being a local lad, you're right up for the derby games but from what I can recall I had a bit of a nightmare! But we won and that's all that mattered.

"I didn't play particularly well in my first derby but once you've played in one or two then you do settle into it. It doesn't really matter about the performance, it's about getting the win."

Gary's full pre-match press conference is available to watch on HeartsTV.

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