Hibs’ Fraser Mullen not bothered by Hearts jeers

Published on 05/07/2013 12:00

FORMER Hearts star Fraser Mullen today insisted he can handle the Gorgie boo boys – after having his every touch jeered by a group of Jambo fans as he made an impressive debut for Hibs in Gibraltar.

The 19-year-old opened the scoring with a tremendous free kick as Pat Fenlon’s side enjoyed a 3-1 victory over the Gibraltar national team and while he knows he can expect more flak when he returns to Tynecastle in the second SPL match of the new season, the defender claimed he has the mental strength to cope.

Revealing even his own team-mates have been giving him good-natured stick, nicknaming him “Jambo” after he crossed the Capital following his release by Hearts, he said: “I didn’t hear the supporters booing me, but that’s part and parcel of football. I know I’m going to get some flak from Hearts fans but I will treat it as a bit of a laugh.

“I never walked out on Hearts, I was let go by the club and the jeering and insults won’t bother me. I will just brush it off. I am at Hibs now and I have the mental strength to cope.

“The Hibs boys have been pulling my leg and have given me the nickname ‘Jambo’ in the dressing-room. My goal against Gibraltar has helped me settle in with the rest of the players. They have been brilliant with me.”

Mullen revealed that former team-mates Calum Paterson and Jamie Walker have been quick to wish him all the best following his shock switch to Easter Road. He said: “We came through the Hearts youth system together and they were among the first to congratulate me on the move to Hibs.

“The derby is the second game so we will meet up again pretty quickly but as soon as we get on the pitch we won’t be pals.”

Taken from the Scotsman