Robbie Neilson issued a subtle reminder that “more than half” of Hampden will be in Jambos colours for the Scottish Cup semi-final on Saturday.
Hearts are looking to make it back-to-back wins over Hibs after their 3-1 win last week.
The Gorgie sold out their initial allocation of 20,000 and have since been given two further batches of tickets for the last four encounter.
Their opposite numbers haven’t been buying with the same enthusiasm, but Neilson expects the famous old ground to be rocking regardless.
“It’ll be outstanding,” he said. “There will probably be just a wee bit more than half in maroon and white. More tickets went out this week and the fanbase have bought more up.
“The more we can get, the more we’re going to sell and the place will be absolutely rocking.
“I’ve been there before in a semi-final with fans against Hibs and it’s an unbelievable atmosphere.
“I’ve been there with no fans and it’s difficult. Thankfully both times we've managed to get a result."
When asked if selling more tickets than their rivals made it 1-0 Hearts already, Neilson chucked: “Look, the fans have been unbelievable already. We put 20,000 on sale and sold them. We got another batch in, sold them and we’ve now got another batch.
“It’s brilliant and the fanbase has been absolutely outstanding in the last couple of years.”
Neilson has no fears over complacency creeping into his players’ minds after their 3-1 derby win at Tynecastle last week.
And he admits it’s now a game of “cat and mouse” as both managers ponder whether or how to change things up from last Saturday..
He explained: “I don’t think we were comfortable. Hibs were the better team for probably the first 20, 30 minutes. They got their goal then had another opportunity. If [Elias] Melkerson scores that, it’s 2-0.
“If we don't get the goal when we did, it’s a different story coming in at half-time. We know there’s areas we’ve got to improve massively in. Yes there were areas that I was pleased with and obviously the final outcome, but there’s still a lot to be wary of.
“It’s a bit of cat and mouse at the moment. Hibs obviously got beat so do they stick with what they have, or do they change?
“Do we stick or do we change? There’s a wee bit of to-ing and fro-ing about what we’ll do.
“It will be interesting to see what the team sheet is like from Hibs. I’d expect [Ryan] Porteous to come back in, potentially [Christian Doidge]. Potentially [Lewis] Stevenson.
“We’ll wait until before the game and we’ll find out what we’re up against.”
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