Robbie Neilson insists the latest Edinburgh derby triumph over Hibs will count for nothing if they don't do the double over Hibs later this month - as he blasted a missile that hit Zander Clark.
Lawrence Shankland double and a late Stephen Humphrys strike sent Hearts into the new year on a high and extended their unbeaten Edinburgh derby run to eight games. But with a Scottish Cup fourth round clash against their rivals looming on January 22nd, that derby is already the primary focus of his attention.
He said: “It’s just important to win the derby, whether it’s at Tynecastle, Easter Road or over there or at Hampden. You have to go and win it. Yes we’ve had a good record. But we go there in three or four weeks’ time knowing that, if we don’t win it, it’s the end of the world. That’s the derby.
“When the fixtures come out, our fans ask: ‘When’s the Hibs games?’ And that’ what we look at, winning them. You can have a poor season and win all the derbies – and people see it as a good season. So it’s really important to win them.
"Today was good but we’re not over-celebrating because we’re down there in a few weeks. We need to be ready for that.
Jambos keeper Clark required treatment after appearing to be struck by an object thrown from the stand housing the Hibs support. Neilson admits the Scotland squad man wasn't badly hurt and praised the former St Johnstone number one for an impeccable performance after replacing the stricken Craig Gordon.
He said: “As far as I know he was hit with something but, to be honest, I don’t know the details of what it was. He’s fine.
"He’s alright. It’s obviously really disappointing but I’m sure both clubs will deal with that in due course. It was the reason we brought him in. He’s a Scottish international.
He’s played at the highest level in Scotland for a long, long time. He’s played in European football and he’s a big character.
“For anyone to step into Craig’s gloves, it was always going to be difficult. But we knew that bringing him in, when the time came, unfortunately through injury or through Craig getting older and maybe playing fewer games, Zander would be ready to come in.
“He was outstanding. Not just the double save at the end., talking, coming out for crosses, playing out from the back as well. I was really pleased with him."
Neilson once again sung the praises of goal hero Shankland who he believes produced a performance which was par for the course.
He said: "I thought Shankland did what Shankland does best. He is predatory in and around the box but he also leads the line so well."
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