Robbie Neilson sang the praises of Andy Halliday after he silenced Hibs fans' taunts with a derby double.
The Hearts star was on target either side of Stephen Kingsley's go-ahead goal to seal the bragging rights in Edinburgh - for a week at least - after Drey Wright opened the scoring early on
Travelling fans in the Roseburn end of Tynecastle took gleeful delight in reminding Halliday he was on the losing side in 2016 when they finally ended a 114-year Scottish Cup hoodoo against Rangers.
But some were spotted then heading for the exits after he levelled before half-time then smashed in from range to make it 3-1.
Results elsewhere failed to rescue the Hibees as they tumbled into the bottom six with the Jambos securing third place and European football next season.
A win in the Scottish Cup semi-final against the same opposition next week will give them a guaranteed group stage slot and Neilson told BBC Sportsound: "I thought he was outstanding.
"Andy thrives on these environments, he thrives on the opposition fans going after him and the pressure of playing in the big games.
"In my opinion he's a real top player and he showed it today.
"A couple of opportunities, he didn't take them but he keeps going, gets the first goal and the next one."
It gives Hearts the momentum leading into only the fourth Edinburgh Derby staged at Hampden – with the men in maroon winning the previous three in 2006, 2012 and 2020.
Neilson added: "It will be interesting, don't know if it's ever happened before where we get these back-to-back derbies.
"I'm sure Shaun will review the game, we'll review it ourselves and the decision is if we both stick or change.
"It's going to be rocking, we sold 20,000 before it, got another allocation this morning and sold out again."
Victory next weekend will see Hearts drafted in at the play-off round of Europa League qualifying.
Lose that and they will parachute straight into the Europa Conference League to pick up a minimum £3m participation prize. from UEFA.
Neilson said: "Saturday is the big one, not only does it get us into a Scottish Cup Final and not only is it beating your nearest rivals.
"It's also an opportunity to get group stage European football which is the most important thing.
"Yes, today was brilliant because it was all about winning the derby in the league but next week...
"In my opinon we've done 10 per cent of the work today and 90 per cent is next week."
