Hearts keeper to Hibs: ‘We’re still best in Edinburgh’

By BARRY ANDERSON
Published on 11/05/2013 12:27

JAMIE MacDONALD today dismissed any notion of a power shift in the Capital, stressing that Hearts are still Edinburgh’s dominant team.

Hibs are unbeaten in four derby matches this season, but MacDonald does not agree with suggestions they are now the top side in the city. The Hearts goalkeeper pointed to statistics which show Hibs’ last league win over their greatest rivals came four years ago to back up his theory ahead of tomorrow’s meeting between the clubs at Tynecastle.

“I think it already is a myth,” he said. “I don’t understand how one win in about 15 or 16 games can signal a power shift in the Capital. Yes, Hibs have improved from last year, when we won every derby, but I don’t see how you can call that a power shift.

“It’s still only one win, and it was a cup game. If you look at the league record, they haven’t beaten us since 2009. It’s been a while. Personally, I can’t see any shift in power. If we win tomorrow then, for me, it’s status quo.”

The Hearts manager Gary Locke is hopeful of having on-loan Liverpool striker Michael Ngoo fit after a shoulder problem. Andy Webster returns from suspension and will be reinstated to the centre of defence as Tynecastle hosts its final match of the campaign, most likely alongside either Darren Barr or Dylan McGowan.

Taken from the Scotsman