“It’s a game everyone should look forward to” said Hibernian FC Head Coach David Gray when discussing the Edinburgh Derby on Boxing Day.
The Hibees will make the short trip over the Tynecastle and go into the game in excellent form having won three of their last four William Hill Premiership fixtures.
The players put in an excellent showing away at Aberdeen in their last outing, and Gray wants them to take those performance-levels into the Derby.
“You can’t get carried away with the current form. The Derby will take care of itself. We have to recover quickly, and attention will quickly change to Hearts.
“It’s a game everyone should look forward to, it’s the best game in the calendar, and the one all the fans rightly talk about.
“We will make sure the players are ready for it. We’re going into it in the best possible way with back-to-back wins, which is the first time we’ve done that since December ’23, and now we have to improve on that; that’s the challenge.”
In their last two games, Gray’s men have come from behind to win – and that type of character will be hugely important on Boxing Day.
“Character and mentality will be massive, it always is. It’s something that’s been questioned of this squad for some time, especially this season, and we’ve responded over the last few weeks when we’ve been tested.
“We go into the game with belief, but knowing it’ll be a tough game. I’ve played in numerous derbies and the form book goes out the window.
“We need to be ready for a real tough test but every player should look forward to it.
“I know the fans will look forward to it, and hopefully we can go there and get three points.”
Both Warren O’Hora and Joe Newell came off with knocks on Saturday, and our Head Coach gave an update on them.
“Warren picked up a knock against Ross County, which forced him off the pitch. He did well to recover as quick as did, but he stiffened up at half-time against Aberdeen just because of the nature of the injury. We will see how he recovers.
“As for Joe, it’s probably too early to say. I’m sure he will be fine. It was more of an impact, and hopefully it’ll settle down quickly.
“There are numerous boys that have knocks but the three points against Aberdeen will certainly make them feel better.”
