Hearts may already be relegated from the Scottish Premiership but are hoping to end the season on a high by claiming their fourth win over rivals Hibernian in Sunday`s Edinburgh derby.
Edinburgh: Hearts may already be relegated from the Scottish Premiership but are hoping to end the season on a high by claiming their fourth win over rivals Hibernian in Sunday`s Edinburgh derby.
If the Jambos win at Easter Road they will have mustered the same amount of points as their rivals, with only the 15-point deduction handed down to Hearts at the beginning of the season for entering administration separating the capital sides.
Hearts captain Danny Wilson admits it would mean a lot to the players of the financially-stricken club if they could finish the season with a better record than their city rivals.
"People did not expect us to get too many points with our deduction and the squad we had. But we have gone on a good run recently and our tally looks a lot better than it did six weeks ago," Wilson said.
"We want to finish as close to 11th place as we can now. We`ve done well in the derby this season. We have turned up and put a performance in for the fans and that is something we are looking to do once more.
"I realise the fans would love us to drag Hibs into more trouble but that`s not something we`re focused on.
"If we win, that will pull them further down but that is not our priority.
"It`s not for me to say something to fuel their fire and give Terry Butcher something to put up on their dressing room wall. These are competitive games at the best of times.
"There will be an added element on Sunday but we will approach it in a professional manner. Then whatever happens in the rest of the season with them will happen.
"But four derby wins in a season would be a terrific achievement and I know it will give the fans another wee lift if we can do it."
Hibs are on a terrible run of form that has seen them claim just one win in their past 14 matches but Wilson doesn`t believe his side have a psychological advantage.
"I wouldn`t say we have a mental edge as derbies can always go either way. Hibs have been on a bad run and we can relate to that as we have gone through tough periods," Wilson said.
"They`ve hit a wall at maybe the wrong time. But they have a few games left to make themselves safe -- but hopefully that doesn`t happen on Sunday."
Hibs are just three points above the relegation play-off place and coach Butcher knows his side need to start picking up points.
"We`ve been seven points ahead, then six, now three. We know the stark reality of the situation we are in. We`ve got four games left and it will come down to whoever wants it most," the Hibs manager said.
"We have to dig a win up from somewhere. It`s my job to do that and for everyone to rally round."
Elsewhere on Sunday, champions Celtic host Inverness Caledonian Thistle at Parkhead looking to get back to winning ways after last weekend`s draw with Motherwell.
On Saturday, second-place Aberdeen take on St Johnstone, Motherwell are away to Dundee United and Ross County host Kilmarnock.
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